Family Group Conferencing
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a strengths-based and family-led decision-
making approach that brings together children, young people, family members
and professionals to develop plans that promote safety, wellbeing and positive
outcomes. The approach recognises that families often possess valuable
knowledge, resources and support networks that can contribute to resolving
difficulties. Rather than professionals making decisions on behalf of families,
Family Group Conferencing enables families to participate actively in identifying
solutions while professionals provide information, support and oversight where
necessary. Within social work, FGC reflects the principles of partnership,
empowerment and person-centred practice by recognising families as experts in
their own lives (Family Rights Group, 2023).
Family Group Conferencing originated in New Zealand during the 1980s in
response to concerns that Māori families were being excluded from decisions
affecting their children. The Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act
1989 introduced Family Group Conferences as a legal requirement for many child
welfare decisions, recognising the importance of involving the wider family and
respecting cultural values. The model was influenced by Māori concepts of
collective responsibility, kinship and shared decision making, acknowledging that
extended family members often play an essential role in supporting children and
resolving family difficulties (Morris & Connolly, 2012).
The Family Group Conferencing process usually follows several stages. Initially,
an independent coordinator meets separately with the child, family members
and professionals to explain the process and encourage participation. During the
conference, professionals provide information about the concerns, available
support and any legal or safeguarding requirements. The family is then given
private family time, during which professionals withdraw to allow family
members to discuss the issues independently and develop their own plan. Once
a plan has been agreed, it is shared with professionals, who ensure that it
protects the child's welfare and meets any statutory requirements. The plan is
then implemented and reviewed to monitor progress.
Family Group Conferencing has significant relevance within social work because
it promotes collaborative working while recognising the strengths and
capabilities of families. Rather than focusing solely on deficits or professional
authority, FGC encourages practitioners to identify protective factors within
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a strengths-based and family-led decision-
making approach that brings together children, young people, family members
and professionals to develop plans that promote safety, wellbeing and positive
outcomes. The approach recognises that families often possess valuable
knowledge, resources and support networks that can contribute to resolving
difficulties. Rather than professionals making decisions on behalf of families,
Family Group Conferencing enables families to participate actively in identifying
solutions while professionals provide information, support and oversight where
necessary. Within social work, FGC reflects the principles of partnership,
empowerment and person-centred practice by recognising families as experts in
their own lives (Family Rights Group, 2023).
Family Group Conferencing originated in New Zealand during the 1980s in
response to concerns that Māori families were being excluded from decisions
affecting their children. The Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act
1989 introduced Family Group Conferences as a legal requirement for many child
welfare decisions, recognising the importance of involving the wider family and
respecting cultural values. The model was influenced by Māori concepts of
collective responsibility, kinship and shared decision making, acknowledging that
extended family members often play an essential role in supporting children and
resolving family difficulties (Morris & Connolly, 2012).
The Family Group Conferencing process usually follows several stages. Initially,
an independent coordinator meets separately with the child, family members
and professionals to explain the process and encourage participation. During the
conference, professionals provide information about the concerns, available
support and any legal or safeguarding requirements. The family is then given
private family time, during which professionals withdraw to allow family
members to discuss the issues independently and develop their own plan. Once
a plan has been agreed, it is shared with professionals, who ensure that it
protects the child's welfare and meets any statutory requirements. The plan is
then implemented and reviewed to monitor progress.
Family Group Conferencing has significant relevance within social work because
it promotes collaborative working while recognising the strengths and
capabilities of families. Rather than focusing solely on deficits or professional
authority, FGC encourages practitioners to identify protective factors within
