Family Group Conferencing

Family Group Conferencing

ISWA can help Local Authorities with FGCs in the following ways:-

• Consultancy to assist with the set up of a service.

• Familiarisation training on a multi-agency basis prior to the launch of a FGC Service.

• Delivery of an FGC Service which has the benefits of supply by an independent provider ; these benefits include the perception of independence by service users and that you only purchase FGCs when you need them.

The Model

• Family Group Conferences(FGC) are child welfare decision making meetings involving family members as key decision makers.
• The family orientated format, which is culturally respectful, affords a high level of service user control.
• The emphasis is on utilising family strengths to provide a safe and effective plan for the child, in the context of historical concerns.
• The model is highly relevant to Local Authorities seeking to find potentially effective and long term ways to address Children in Need scenarios or the Safeguarding of children.

The Skill Base

Family Group Conferences:-

i) Need expertise, especially in group work and family dynamics to be managed effectively.

ii) They can require a significant time commitment to set up and run.

These skill and resource issues need to be taken into account in their use. In addition, the timing of the conference is important - too early or too late can affect their success.

Nevertheless, they can create the circumstances in which families are empowered to make a reasonable decision about a child, and may well find a way of successfully planning to look after a child who would otherwise come into care provided by the Local Authority.

Our Coordinators

ISWA has trained, independent coordinators who are experienced in carrying out this delicate task which is being encouraged by the government in the Public Law Outline and by the Family Justice Review.

They are available for work in any setting across England and Wales.