International FASD Day 2026: Raising awareness and supporting recovery

Each year on the 9th day of the 9th month, the world marks International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day, a date chosen deliberately to symbolise the importance of remaining alcohol-free throughout all nine months of pregnancy. In Ireland, September is also FASD Awareness Month, a dedicated period for shining a light on FASD and […]

Continuity you can count on: Why choosing a reliable testing laboratory matters

Drug, alcohol and DNA testing plays a critical role across family law and child welfare, informing safeguarding decisions, care proceedings, and the arrangements that shape a family’s future. Whether the results are being used to support a court case, safeguarding assessment, or decision made in a child’s best interests, the reliability of the testing laboratory […]

Alcohol misuse in Ireland: What the latest evidence means for family proceedings

Alcohol misuse remains a persistent and growing concern across Ireland. According to the Health Research Board (HRB), an average of four people die every day in Ireland as a result of alcohol use, with alcohol-related hospitalisations remaining consistently high. Furthermore, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, cites addiction among the key pressures driving demand on […]

COA Awareness Week 2026: Supporting children affected by parental alcohol misuse

For many children, home is a place of comfort and security. But for others, home is a place of uncertainty, where a parent’s drinking casts a long shadow over daily life. Running from 8-14 February, COA Awareness Week shines a light on the often-hidden struggles faced by Children of Alcoholics (COAs) – young people growing […]

Dry January 2026: Why taking a break from alcohol matters

Many people choose to start a new year with a renewed focus on health and wellbeing. One increasingly popular way to do this is by taking part in Dry January – an international campaign that encourages people to take a break from alcohol for 31 days. First launched in the UK in 2013, Dry January […]

Clarity through continuity: repeat testing in Family Court

Drug and alcohol testing are critical tools in Family Court, particularly where concerns exist around parental substance misuse. While a single test may confirm either historical or recent use, depending on the type of test taken, it offers only a limited view of behaviour. By contrast, repeat testing enables the court to monitor patterns over […]

Thinking about Sober October? Here’s why it’s worth it

Sober October is back – and in 2025, it matters more than ever. With alcohol-related harm continuing to place a serious burden on health services and communities in Ireland, taking a break from drinking is more than just a personal challenge. It’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and experience the health benefits of going alcohol-free. […]