Parents overcoming addiction in West Midlands vie for major award
Celebrating resilience and advocacy transforming legal policy
A group of parents from the West Midlands, who have fought through addiction to rebuild their families, are finalists for a regional award recognising their efforts to change national legal policy.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) parent graduates have been shortlisted for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Campaign Award.
These parents used their experiences of recovery and reunification with their children to influence policy, practice, and academic research at both regional and national levels.
The graduates, now serving as Parent Associates with the Centre for Justice Innovation, aim to highlight the need for compassion, consistency, and sustained support for families facing trauma.
Their advocacy includes judicial education, contributing to national research on fathers during care proceedings, and campaigning for systemic reform to expand problem-solving courts.
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, commended their campaign, describing it as an extraordinary example of how difficult personal experiences can inspire positive action and change.
Also nominated for the Outstanding Campaign Award is the Solihull Moors Foundation.
This organisation has leveraged football to challenge attitudes and behaviours regarding violence against women and girls.
Working with West Midlands Police, the foundation supports campaigns like White Ribbon 'We Speak Up' and participates in events during National Hate Crime Awareness Week to encourage equality.
The winner will be revealed on 28th September 2026 at the Outstanding Citizens’ Awards held at the Coventry Boys and Girls Club.