Understanding the process
What is Family Group Conferencing and how does it work?
Family Group Conferencing brings a family and its support network together to make a practical plan for someone who needs care or protection, often a child or young person.
An independent facilitator prepares everyone and organises the conference. Professionals explain the concerns and any safety requirements. The family then has private time to develop its own plan.
This guide explains what happens before, during and after a conference, and how children and young people can be involved.
When is Family Group Conferencing used?
It is commonly used in child protection when a family needs to address concerns about the safety and care of a child. This may include planning to keep a child safely at home or supporting a return home from care.
The approach can also support planning in settings such as disability support and elder care. Its suitability depends on the circumstances, safety considerations and the requirements of the program.
Family can include extended relatives, kinship networks, close friends and other trusted people who have an important role in the life of the person at the centre.
The process has three parts
Preparation
The facilitator checks suitability, identifies who should be involved and meets participants before the conference.
The conference
Participants share information. The family then has private time to make a plan that addresses the concerns and safety requirements.
Action and review
The plan records who will do what and when. Review arrangements help everyone check progress and respond to changes.
Before the conference
Preparation is a substantial part of the process. The facilitator works with the family and referring service to understand the situation and help everyone take part safely.
This includes:
- Checking whether a conference is suitable.
- Identifying family members and trusted support people.
- Meeting participants and explaining the process.
- Clarifying the concerns the plan must address.
- Discussing safety, accessibility and cultural needs.
- Planning how children and young people will contribute.
- Explaining confidentiality and information sharing.
Where there are concerns about domestic or family violence, these are considered during preparation. They may affect suitability, attendance and how the conference is arranged.
What happens on the day?
The following stages describe the conference model taught by Mediation Institute. Arrangements may vary between programs and family circumstances.
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Welcome and guidelines
The facilitator welcomes everyone and confirms the purpose and guidelines. Participants agree on how they will communicate respectfully.
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Introductions
Everyone introduces themselves and explains their connection to the family or their professional role.
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Sharing the concerns
The referring professional explains the concerns, any relevant requirements and the support their service can offer.
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Questions and discussion
Family members ask questions and discuss available support. Everyone needs enough information to understand what the plan must address.
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A shared meal
A meal provides time for connection before private family planning. Food and cultural preferences are discussed during preparation.
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Private family time
Professionals leave so the family can discuss options and develop its plan. Agreed support people may remain where needed. The facilitator is available for assistance.
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Presenting and checking the plan
The family presents its plan. It is checked against the concerns and safety requirements. If changes are needed, the family has an opportunity to work on those parts.
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Recording the agreement
The plan is written down and shared with the relevant participants. It identifies responsibilities, timeframes and arrangements for follow-up.
How children and young people are involved
Children and young people need opportunities to express their views about decisions affecting them. The facilitator prepares them beforehand and discusses how they would feel comfortable contributing.
They may:
- Attend all or part of the conference.
- Bring a trusted support person.
- Speak for themselves or ask someone to share their views.
- Contribute through a letter, drawing or recording.
Their involvement is planned individually, considering their needs, preferences and safety. Being heard does not mean being responsible for solving the concerns.
After the conference
The next step is putting the plan into action. A useful plan clearly explains:
- What each person or service has agreed to do.
- When each action needs to happen.
- Who will be the contact person.
- What to do if an arrangement cannot continue.
- When and how progress will be reviewed.
A review gives the family and relevant services an opportunity to check progress, discuss difficulties and consider changes to the plan.
What supports a meaningful conference?
Careful preparation gives participants a shared understanding of the concerns and the decisions the family can make.
Clear safety requirements, culturally responsive practice and an independent facilitator help create space for family participation. The plan also needs realistic actions and support that people can follow through.
Family Group Conferencing recognises the knowledge, relationships and strengths within a family and its wider support network.
Where did Family Group Conferencing begin?
How do programs differ around Australia?
Interested in becoming a facilitator?
Find the information you need
Read answers to common questions, look for a facilitator or contact our team for further information.
