Family Group Conferences (FGC) put children, young people and their families at the centre of decision making. When a family is under pressure a Family Group Conference can provide the skilled help they need to sort out their problems.
It is a model of practice that suits Cornwall because it brings the extended family network together to make a plan to solve those problems.
Family Group Conferences are a good way to help families get to the bottom of their problems. They can help come up with workable solutions to problems affecting the welfare of a child or young person.
How do Family Group Conferences work?
Preparation
An independent coordinator works with the child or young person and their parents / carers. They identify all the extended family and friends who may be able to get involved and help out. We find that this helps even if there are family conflicts.
The coordinator is independent because they are not involved in making decisions about what happens to children and young people.
The skilled coordinator talks with and prepares everyone who is going to attend the conference. They explain the process and purpose of the Family Group Conference. They listen to everyone’s views and explore change in order to achieve positive outcomes for children.
The coordinator involves children and young people. They are offered an advocate to help them express their views and wishes at the conference.
The meeting
The agenda for the child / young person and their family is clearly stated at the start. The person who has made the referral and any other professionals are invited to share their concerns and the help they can offer the family.
The 'bottom line' for keeping the child / young person happy and safe is explained at this point.
The families then have private family time to come up with a safe, supportive plan for the child or young person. It works best when the child or young person's views and wishes are at the centre of this process and at the heart of the family plan.
The family plan is then discussed and agreed between the family and referrer. The coordinator is there to help the family to decide what is realistic. The family plan is the only record of the meeting and the coordinator makes sure that everyone involved gets a copy.
Family monitors are agreed and a date to review the family plan is made.
When will a Family Group Conference be used?
You can have a Family Group Conference when you need the support of an independent coordinator, to help you and your family to come together to make plans, to support you and your children with a range of difficulties.
How can my family have a Family Group Conference?
You will need to be referred to the service by a professional who is working with your family.
Please ask them to contact:
- Kelly Moore, Family Group Conferencing Lead - 07565 203465
- Helen Salmon, Family Group Conferencing Manager - 07581 064503
to find out what to do next.
Further information
Information leaflet for families
Information leaflet for providers
FGC accreditation
Our Family Group Conferencing service has met the requirements of the national accreditation framework.
