Drink and drug court in session

The new venture will hear family cases - such as child care applications - from three London councils.

A specialist judge will work with addiction specialists and social workers at the Family Drug and Alcohol Court, fast-tracking addict parents into a rigorous treatment programme.

It could order parents to attend one-to-one counselling or group sessions to avoid having their kids taken into care.

The judge will be able to make same-day referrals, a spokesman said.

The groundbreaking project is based on schemes in the United States where early findings suggest they have helped more children in care to return home because their parents have successfully taken part in efforts to combat their substance abuse.

The three-year pilot will cost more than £1.3 million, with just under £900,000 coming from central government and the rest from the three boroughs.

Justice minister Bridget Prentice said: "Cases will be brought to court earlier wherever a parent is suspected of substance or alcohol abuse. And during the course of the case, the focus will very much be on therapy and recovery and so, therefore, on the longer-term interest of the child.

"I'm really excited about this project and think it will play a big role in fixing some really deep-rooted problems."

She added: "If we can take a step towards ending the misery drugs and alcohol abuse causes families that can only be a good thing."