Application for contact for Father with previous drug problems

Marie represented a Father who had not seen his child for four years, having separated from his ex-partner at a time when he was using drugs and had a troubled family life. He was violent to his partner at this time, and had accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty to criminal charges in relation to that.

The Father tried numerous times over the years to agree contact with the Mother, including through Mediation, however she would not agree to contact. He has turned his life around in the intervening period and wishes to re-establish his relationship with his child.

At the FHDRA a s.7 report was ordered and the Father will undertake drug testing, which he agreed to. The case was listed for a DRA.

At the DRA the s.7 report recommended indirect contact to commence and the Father to have a suitability assessment for the DAPP domestic violence programme.