A family group conference is a process led by family members to make decisions about a plan to care for a child, young person or other vulnerable family member who is at risk. Children and young people are usually participants at the conference, sometimes with the support of an advocate. It is a process that can get better outcomes than decision making led by authorities such as child protection as it taps into the resources of the entire extended family and wider network of professionals and friends who are able to assist.
Who is considered family and who should be at a conference are things negotiated by the facilitator with the family. It might extend to family friends who are honorary aunties and uncles and extended family. A cousin may attend as a support person for a young person. In some cases some members of the family may not be invited either due to a requirement that they are excluded by a child safety authority or by other family members.
The facilitator will work with the family to help them decide who should be there, meet with all participants to explain the process, what the purpose is, the guiding questions and anything else they need to know to prepare for the day. Find out more about training to become a Family Group Conference Facilitator. Family Group Conference Facilitator Training
Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment Bill 2018 has increased the focus on alternative dispute resolution in NSW to support a goal of safely keeping young people with their families.
The family group conference is in three parts.
Family Group Conferences are now the preferred approach to making decisions for children who are in need of out of home care in NSW. It is especially relevant for indigenous families where only the family understands the complex kinship relationships and capabilities of family members. The process is used in more than 20 countries throughout the world.
Family Group Conferencing has been shown to be cost effective and successful in making safe plans for children which allow many to stay within their family network as an alternative to going into the foster care system.
Mediation Institute Pty Ltd ABN 43 166 175 962
PO Box 16, Loch Sport Victoria 3851
Mediation Institute is a Recognised Mediator Accreditation Body (RMAB) and Complaint Handling Body for Mediators, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and Family Group Conference Facilitators.
