Family Group Conferencing
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a unique process that involves a shift from a decision making process that is "expert based" to one that is family-based.The roots of this process trace back to traditional Aboriginal cultures in which the care and decision making for children was considered the natural responsibility of the extended family and community.
FGC is an effective process in empowering families to take control of their future. Families develop a plan for the care and safety of their children that is endorsed and supported by the child, welfare agency, and the court rather than imposed by those agencies.
A Family Group Conference is a special meeting of parents, children, extended family, and those that feel like family. The purpose of the meeting is to create a plan to protect a child from harm. The plan consider the child's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.
Why Use Family Group Conferencing?
- Gives families the opportunity to participate in the decision-making and care of their children
- Offers a collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive approach in helping families
- Neutral Facilitation is provided by community service agencies
Creates plans that are realistic, achievable, and long lasting
Enables children to strengthen relationships and vital atachments with family, community, and culture - Restores balance and harmony for families and promotes understanding
When Can Family Group Conferencing Be Accessed?
At any time during involvement during involvement with child intervention services, a referral can be made for Family Group Conferencing.
Best Practice Supports:
When a caseworker has completed an investigation and found a child is in need of intervention, or apprehension is considered imminent,
And the caseworker and parent agree that a Family Group Conference would be the appropriate way to assist the family in planning for the child's safety,
Then the caseworker makes a referral to the program.
What Does the Facilitator Do?
- Works with the parents to identify and invite family members
- Explains what the conference is about to each person attending
- Determines which service providers and/or professionals would provide information and assistance to the family
- Ensures the child's views will be heard
- Considers safety for all participants
- Makes arangements to host the Family Group Conference
Role of the Participants
- Stay focused on the child's needs
- Share their concerns and thoughts honestly in a safe place
- Allow everone to have a voice and to value input and ideas of others
- Consider the safety of everyone at the conference
- Accept that not all of the family's problems will be solved
What Happens Family Group Conference Day?
1. Information Sharing
Facilitator welcomes everyone and outlines the purpose of the conference
The caseworker clearly states the concerns about the child's need for intervention and what risks must be addressed in the plan
Professionals may attend to give information about their involvement with the family, and service they offer
Speakers may come to give information about community supports or special topics
The family may ask questions
Then the caseworker, professionals, and facilitator all leave the room.
2. Private Family Time
The family reviews the information and develops a plan to ensure the protection and permanency needs the child are met
3. Documenting the Plan
The facilitator will be invited to return to support the documentation of the plan
4. Review of the Plan
The referring caseworker reviews the plan, consents only if the plan protects the child from harm, ensures permanency and provides the family with servies to support the plan.
For more information contact:
Bonda Thompson, East Zone Team Lead
North Central Alberta Child & Family Services
Telephone: 780-639-6126
Toll Free: 310.0000.780.639.6126
Fax: 780-639-6132
E-mail: bonda.thompson@gov.ab.ca
