👨👩👧👦 A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a structured, family-led decision-making process that brings together a child’s immediate and extended family, along with key support people, to develop a plan that ensures the child’s safety, well-being, and long-term stability. This process recognises that families are best placed to make decisions about their own children when given the right support and information.
FGCs are widely used in child protection and family support settings, helping families take an active role in creating practical, sustainable solutions centred on the needs of the child.
1. Referral & Preparation
📋 The process begins with a referral, often from child protection services, social workers, or other agencies.
🤝 An independent FGC facilitator works closely with the family to prepare them for the meeting, ensuring they understand the process and feel supported.
👶 The child’s views and wishes are gathered in a way that is appropriate for their age and development.
2. The Conference
🗣️ The meeting is family-led but professionally supported.
🛡️ The facilitator ensures the discussion remains respectful, productive, and focussed on the child’s best interests.
⏳ The family is given private time to discuss the situation and develop a plan.
3. Developing a Plan
📝 The family presents their plan, which outlines practical steps to ensure the child’s well-being.
✅ Professionals review the plan to ensure it meets safety and welfare requirements.
🤲 Once agreed upon, the plan is implemented with support from agencies and community resources.
4. Follow-Up & Review
📅 The effectiveness of the plan is monitored to ensure it is working as intended.
🔄 Follow-up meetings may be arranged to review progress and make adjustments if needed.
🌟 Empowers Families: Encourages families to take responsibility for solutions rather than having decisions imposed on them.
👶 Child-Centred: Ensures the child’s voice is heard and their best interests are prioritised.
🌏 Culturally Responsive: Respects cultural traditions, kinship structures, and holistic family support systems, particularly for Aboriginal families.
🤝 Collaborative & Strength-Based: Focuses on family strengths and resources to create positive, long-term outcomes.
🏠 Reduces Family Breakdown & Out-of-Home Care: Provides an opportunity to resolve issues before a child is removed from their family.
🌿 Our facilitation approach is culturally safe and respectful, ensuring that Aboriginal families feel heard, valued, and supported. We recognise the importance of kinship ties, cultural identity, and community involvement in decision-making.
✅ Qualified & Experienced FGC Facilitation: Led by a professionally trained facilitator with expertise in supporting families through this process.
✅ Independent & Impartial Facilitation: Ensuring a safe and supportive environment for open discussions.
✅ Family-Led Decision Making: Helping families take control of their own solutions.
✅ Strength-Based Approach: Recognising family strengths and resources to support positive outcomes.
✅ Cultural Considerations for Aboriginal Families: Providing culturally safe and respectful facilitation.
✅ Child-Centred Focus: Ensuring the voice of the child is heard and considered.
✅ Collaboration with DCJ & Support Services: Bridging communication between families and agencies to achieve sustainable solutions.
Contact Us
🤝 As a qualified and experienced FGC facilitator, we provide independent, impartial, and professional guidance throughout the process. We work alongside families, child protection agencies, and other stakeholders to create meaningful, sustainable solutions that prioritise the child’s well-being while respecting family and cultural dynamics.
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