The judge behind the innovative Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) has warned that the court may be under threat as a result of spending cuts, reports the Law Gazette.

The FDAC is a pilot of a model that has been used successfully in the US. Based in London, it is a specialist court that deals with care proceedings where the substance abuse of parents is a major factor in the decision to bring the case.

Under the system, parents benefit from immediate access to substance misuse services, and help in dealing with other issues, such as domestic violence and housing. They meet every two weeks with the same judge, ensuring that there is continuity throughout the proceedings.

District Judge Nicholas Crichton told the Law Gazette of his deep concern that funding for the project could be cut.

"If it only gets one family out of the system, we have made a saving," he explained.