My journey with FDAC
Since I was a teenager, I have been involved in drug misuse and domestic violence. After my 18th birthday, I gave birth to a little baby girl, my first child. Due to my life being very complicated and twisted I was unable to provide care and support to her. She was adopted, and since then I couldn't puzzle myself together. I took drugs on and off.
At 26, I gave birth to my second baby, and I was at high risk of losing him too. I knew I couldn't let this happen again. I needed to make a big change in my life.
I wanted to go for rehabilitation and instead was recommend to register with FDAC. My very first contact with FDAC was over a phone call to introduce ourselves to each other. After a couple of days, I had a big intervention planning meeting with FDAC and the local authority. This was the first time I met FDAC workers over teams video call and my first impression was not happy.
There were over 16 people in that meeting, who knew my story, my life, my past, and predicting my future. All I could do was listen, nod and keep calm. I was unhappy with how many people had to be involved in this case, I felt like I committed a huge crime, I felt so imprisoned, even though I was free.
After the meeting, I called the FDAC team and explained how overwhelming it was to sit there and be judged by so many people at once. Since then FDAC has taken this on board and reduced the number of workers in my meeting sessions with them.
I did not trust the local authority as I have had a bad experience with them before. I had put FDAC and the local authority into the same bag. After more appointments and meetings, I began to trust and open up more to FDAC. They had taken my opinions and suggestions on board, and I started to see a change. For example, I asked for more contact with my son and FDAC was able to push for one. I was so grateful for this.
Jodie, my key worker, gave me hope with her plans and communications with me which I am grateful for. She has taken my case very seriously and helped as much as possible. All my workers at FDAC were really nice, helpful, and understanding of what needed to be done.
Every two weeks, I have been attending a non-lawyer review with the judge of FDAC. I was shaking when I went to meet the judge. I thought I had to be quiet all through the hearing. It was not what I was expecting!
The judge was very friendly, joyful and spoke to me like a friend. I was able to speak with the judge directly, give my opinions, tell her my feelings. The judge listened and provided honest feedback, which gave me hope of getting my son home.
I have met the judge every 2 weeks for the past 6 months and each time we have met, we had a laugh, I had few cries, but overall, we always finished with hope instead of me feeling down.
I am coming o the end of my transition plan now. I feel very happy and grateful for all the support provided by FDAC. As we come to the end, I finally got to know that my son is coming home and the FDAC process will come to an end as well.
My advice to all new parents who joined or might want to join FDAC is: Do not feel like you are being judged or pushed down as FDAC is only wanting to help you and the journey ahead to be successful. FDAC workers understand that it may be difficult for you to accept what is happening but their support system works smoothly. It may take longer than you expect but the goal is always to get your child/children back to you.
I would recommend being honest with your workers and do not be ashamed to ask for help. FDAC will always take your opinions and suggestions on board to improve their workflow and make you feel more comfortable during your process with them. I felt like everyone was against me and actually, I have realized that it’s the other way around.
Do not be afraid to speak out when you need to, do not feel like you are all on your own. There are others just like you in the same situations.
My story has been real, my story has been complicated, my story has been successful with the help of others. Because I was given a second chance in life and to be a good parent to my son. I hope this story encourages you to stand up and change for good.