Family Group Conferences

A Family Group Conference is an opportunity to bring agencies together with families in an informal manner, to make decisions regarding the care and protection of the children or young people concerned.

What does the service offer?

The service provides an opportunity for family members and others to participate in decisions regarding the future well being of their family.

It empowers the family to participate in the care and protection of their children and to take parental responsibility where possible.

How does the service work?

The conference can be made up of the children concerned and their parents or carers. Extended family, close friends and key professionals such as social workers or health visitors may also be invited.

The Family Group Conference Co-ordinator will sit everyone in a circle and ensure everyone gets the opportunity to participate. The group will explore the resources available from within the family, the local community and relevant agencies, both statutory and voluntary.

A plan will be drawn up and agreed by all those involved. This plan will set out a way forward for the family which meet the needs of the children and helps strengthen future relationships. If requested, a review conference can be held at a later date to establish the plan’s progress or any difficulties which may be occuring.

Who is the service aimed at?

The service is available to families who are encountering difficulties due to one or more children in the family.

How is the service accessed?

Families are referred to the service by their social worker.