If you've received a referral for a Family Group Conference (FGC) in NSW, it's completely normal to feel anxious or unsure about what lies ahead. This guide is designed to answer every question you might have, in plain language, so you can approach the process with confidence.

What Is a Family Group Conference?

A Family Group Conference is a structured meeting that brings together the family, their support network, and relevant professionals to create a plan for a child's safety and wellbeing. The key difference between an FGC and other child protection meetings is this: the family leads the process.

Rather than having decisions made solely by government agencies, the FGC model is built on the belief that families — when properly informed and supported — are best placed to find solutions for their own children. The role of the FGC coordinator is to facilitate this process, not to make decisions for your family.

"The most powerful part of a Family Group Conference is the Private Family Time — when the family meets alone to develop their own plan. This is your opportunity to shape your child's future."

Why Was I Referred to an FGC?

Referrals for Family Group Conferences typically come from:

  • The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) when there are child protection concerns
  • A Local Court as part of child protection proceedings
  • A family who wants a structured process to address concerns themselves
  • A service provider working with a family in difficulty

Being referred to an FGC does not mean you have done something wrong or that your children will be removed. It means the system is giving your family a chance to have a voice in planning for your children's safety.

Who Attends a Family Group Conference?

The participants in an FGC are carefully considered during the preparation phase. Attendees typically include:

  • Family members — parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other significant family
  • Support people — friends, community members, Elders, or faith community members chosen by the family
  • The child — depending on their age, maturity, and wishes
  • Professionals — such as DCJ workers, teachers, health professionals who have relevant information
  • The FGC coordinator — an independent facilitator like Family Safe Solutions
💡 Tip: You have input into who attends. During the preparation phase, talk honestly with your coordinator about who you feel would support the process — and who might not. Your coordinator is there to help you navigate this.

The Four Phases of an FGC

Phase 1: Preparation (2–4 weeks)

The coordinator meets separately with all participants before the conference. This is one of the most important phases. Your coordinator will explain the process, listen to your perspective, help you identify your support people, and ensure you understand the concerns being raised. You will also have the chance to say what you think needs to happen for your child.

Phase 2: Information Sharing

The conference opens with professionals sharing the information they have about the child's situation. Everyone can ask questions. The goal is to make sure the family has all the information they need to make good decisions during their private time.

Phase 3: Private Family Time

This is the heart of the FGC. The professionals leave the room, and the family meets privately to develop their own plan. Your coordinator remains available if you need clarification, but does not participate in the family's discussion. Families often find this the most empowering part of the process.

Phase 4: Plan Agreement and Follow-Up

The family presents their plan. Professionals review it to ensure it adequately addresses the child's safety. If it does, it becomes the agreed plan of action. A review FGC is usually scheduled 3–6 months later to assess progress.

What If I'm Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

Family Group Conferencing has strong roots in Indigenous community decision-making, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle underpins all FGC work involving Aboriginal children. As an independent provider, Family Safe Solutions is committed to conducting culturally safe FGCs that respect community protocols, involve Elders where appropriate, and centre the cultural connections that are essential to Aboriginal children's identity and wellbeing.

⚠️ Know Your Rights: You have the right to request that your FGC be conducted in a culturally appropriate manner. If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you can request the involvement of a cultural support person and ask that the ATSICPP be explicitly applied to your child's plan.

What Makes a Good FGC Plan?

A strong FGC plan will:

  • Clearly identify who is responsible for what, and by when
  • Address the specific safety concerns that were raised
  • Build on the family's existing strengths and support networks
  • Be realistic and achievable for the family
  • Include a process for what happens if something goes wrong
  • Centre the child's best interests and cultural needs

Ready to Get Started?

Family Safe Solutions provides independent Family Group Conferencing services across NSW. We are based in Broken Hill and service regional and remote communities via teleconference where needed. If you have any questions about the FGC process or would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us — we are here to help.

Need Support From an Expert?

Family Safe Solutions provides professional, compassionate child protection services across NSW.

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