Birmingham Children's Trust (England)

Our Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) is an alternative model for care proceedings, giving parents the support and understanding they need to turn their lives around themselves. Over the last 3 years, FDAC have: • Reunited 69% of children with one or both parents • Achieved an 88% positive reunification rate • Helped 58% of parents overcome substance addictions We went to speak to three mothers who have been through the care proceedings and come out of the other side. Now successfully rehabilitated with their children, they each had a powerful story to tell. Read more about how our Birmingham and Solihull team are empowering women to overcome their addictions and become parents again here: https://t.co/kZC0pK73Ae

Our Family Drug and Alcohol Court Team recently welcomed the High Sheriff of the West Midlands (far right of photo) so he could learn more about the unique process helping parents overcome their addictions and reunite with their children. Here's what the High Sheriff said afterwards: "The FDAC courts provide a unique approach to addressing the complex challenges that families affected by drug and alcohol dependency encounter. During my visit, I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the innovative practices and interventions employed by the FDAC team to support families in overcoming substance misuse issues by seeing some non-lawyer reviews, lawyer hearings, a graduation and speaking with the team and some parents. From tailored treatment plans to regular court reviews and ongoing support services, it was evident that the FDAC courts prioritise the wellbeing and reunification of families in crisis. My visit to the FDAC courts was both enlightening and inspiring, reaffirming the importance of community-based solutions and a compassionate approach to addressing complex social issues. I commend the hard work and dedication of the FDAC team in their mission to support families in need and promote positive outcomes for all involved. A huge thank you to team manager Helen Davies for facilitating my visit and for the warm welcome."

*IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES* The Trust has published two documents for consultation with families: a new Children with Disabilities Policy and an Interim Short Breaks Service Statement. The new Children with Disabilities Policy sets out the legal basis by which we assess and deliver support to disabled children and families. Downloads of the documents and details of the changes made can be found on the Trust website below. Finally, we want YOUR feedback. You can take part in our online consultation and/or book a place for our in-person consultation events in July here: https://lnkd.in/dqF5GBsp

We are delighted to announce that we won the 'Children's Services' category at the national LGC (Local Government Chronicle) 2024 Awards (held last night in London). You can read all about it here -> https://lnkd.in/eYAzXvib This award goes out to all our staff, past and present, that have contributed positively to the lives of children, young people and families in Birmingham and beyond. Children's social care is not a 9 to 5 job, it is a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment. This recognition will fuel our improvement journey. Thanks to all our incredible partners that have helped make this happen, and big thanks to LGC organisers and judges for this award. James Thomas Andy Couldrick Lisa Jamieson Lee Yale-Helms David Stringfellow #LGCAwards #LGCAwardWinner #LGC #Celebratingourstaff

Today is National Day against Victim Blaming. Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid and Richmond Fellowship are currently both commissioned providers of Birmingham Children’s Trust and provide advice and guidance to all staff who are working with families affected by domestic abuse including risk assessment, safety planning, joint home visits and direct brief interventions with families. We thank both organisations for their continued and unwavering support. Nikki Plummer, Head of Service for Domestic Abuse and Interpersonal Violence at Birmingham Children’s Trust said: "The partnership working between Birmingham Children’s Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid has been critical in supporting Trust staff to develop their approach in partnering with the non-abusive parent as the best way to keep their children safe. The damaging effects of coercive and controlling behaviour and subsequent violence and abuse often instils a level of fear in the non-abusive parent which renders them unable to disclose to agencies. "The use of sensitive language which clearly lets the non-abusive parent know that we are on their side, and that we hold the abusive parent accountable, is essential to building positive and trusting relationships and ensuring best outcomes for children to remain living with their non abusive parent, who for the most part, is the Mother.   "The Trust’s progress towards abolishing victim blaming language has been noticed by Women’s Aid colleagues and the Trust are, in turn, promoting this good practice with other agencies.” #DayAginstVictimBlaming #domesticabuseawareness #partnership #DAawareness #Domesticabuse

A big Trust thanks to Arcus FM for the tremendous job they have done creating an amazing outdoor environment for our children and families at The Willows. The Partnership between Arcus FM and our Bfriends Charity means huge smiles for many. Shout out Colyn Cross, Stuart Jordan and Lawrie Symonds for their hard work (pictured l-r). Natalie Loon, Bfriends Charity Operations and Fundraising Manager, said: "We are very lucky to have had Arcus FM as a partner with us since we started our journey as a charity. Our partners are key in our development of our Community Hub, which is a home for our young people and adults. Developing this outdoor area at The Willows is a big priority of ours, and thanks to the wonderful team at Arcus our young people will now be able to venture outside to enjoy playing and exploring." To find out more about the fantastic work of Arcus FM and Bfriends Charity and get involved with the mission of Bfriends Charity to Build Friendships and Change Lives please contact Natalie Loon right here on LinkedIn. #partnership #ArcusFM #supportingfamilies #thankyou

From everyone at @Bhamchildtrust we wish you all a Happy #InternationalWomensDay  we are celebrating with staff right now by holding a webinar to discuss topics such as female trailblazers, female leadership and much more. Please give a shout out to any women that inspire you………. #internationalwomensday2024 #iwd2024 #iwd2024womenleadingtheway

We are delighted to announce that we have been selected to become a 2024 LCG Awards finalist in the 'Children's Services' category. This is fantastic news for all of our staff and those we support. Read more here ->https://lnkd.in/eKsYyJcP #LGCAwards #LGCAwards2024 #LGC #LGCAwardsfinalist