A family group conference is a chance for you and your family to discuss any concerns you have about your child or children. It's an opportunity to create a supportive plan with the help of family and friends to improve things. This meeting is voluntary and will only take place if you and your family choose to have one.
If you would like to have a family group conference, please speak to your child protection social worker, who will make a referral for you.
A family group conference can help when:
We will discuss and agree on who comes to the conference with you. This could include:
If a child can’t attend, the Family Group Coordinator will help you think about how their voice is heard at the meeting.
During your meeting, a family group conference coordinator will guide you through the steps involved. They are independent of the decision-making process for your child.
Your social worker and other professionals will attend the start of the meeting to give background information about their work with you. Then you and your family will have private time alone to develop your plan. When you have done this, the co-ordinator and your social worker will rejoin you to learn about your plan and how it will keep your child safe. They will advise you if they believe anything else needs to be considered.
Through your family group conference, you may be able to get a Family Network Support package. Family Network Support packages offer resources to help families succeed. These packages can include:
