Key messages
- The family reunification AOD treatment service helps parents access timely alcohol and other drug treatment when AOD treatment is required as part of their child’s Family Reunification Order, or where a child is on an Interim Accommodation Order that places them out of parental care.
- Parents working towards reunification are a priority group for AOD treatment under Victoria’s AOD Program Guidelines. Funded providers support eligible parents through assessment, counselling, and care and recovery coordination.
- Child Protection, AOD intake providers and treatment service providers work together to connect parents to treatment quickly, support engagement, and keep relevant parties informed about assessment, treatment planning and significant issues affecting treatment progress.
The Victorian Government has invested to provide extra services for parents who need alcohol or other drug treatment as part of their children’s family reunification order. Clinicians are available across Victoria to provide dedicated services to these parents, to help them access timely treatment and maximise their chances of reuniting with their children. Parents in this client group seeking treatment can talk to their children’s child protection practitioner, who will actively support them to connect with their local intake provider.
More information on service expectations, access and referral arrangements for this initiative (for child protection practitioners, intake providers and service providers respectively) is available in the fact sheets below.
Referral
Following the issuing of a Family Reunification Order or Interim Accommodation Order that places a child out of parental care and includes an AOD-related condition for the parent, Child Protection practitioners should refer the parent directly to the relevant catchment-based AOD intake provider. The referral should be made as soon as possible after court, and no later than seven days after the order is issued.
Updated