What is an FGC?
A Family Group Conference is a structured decision-making-process whereby the wider family and friends network are the decision makers. The FGC enables them to work together to problem solve a specific issue that will promote child/young person wellbeing and safeguards. The aim of the model is to empower families through voluntary service (consent driven) to accept responsibility for their own family.
The role of the children
In an FGC a child's role is to share their thoughts and feelings about what’s happening. Their input helps the family make decisions that are best for them. The child can also say who they trust and want support from during the process.
Advocacy
An advocate can be arranged to support an adult or child in the conference and this can be discussed with the FGC coordinator.
Focused areas of our work
- Safeguarding
- Children looked after by social care
- Family support & pre-proceedings
- Children with disabilities
- Young people transitioning to adult social care
- Kinship carers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I been invited to a Family Group Conference (FGC)?
Someone might be invited to an FGC if they play an important role in a child's life and can offer support, guidance, or resources. This could include family members, close friends, or trusted adults who can contribute to making a safe, stable plan for the child's well-being. Additionally, professionals such as social workers or counsellors might be invited to provide relevant information or support services.
How is an FGC different?
An FGC is chaired by an independent coordinator, but the plan for what should happen and how it will be achieved is put together by the child’s family and their friends, with input from the child. The coordinator will arrange the meeting and help decide who should be involved.
What happens in an FGC?
The meeting consists of three points:
- The information share:
An FGC is chaired by an independent coordinator, but the plan for what should happen and how it will be achieved is put together by the child’s family and their friends, with input from the child. The coordinator will arrange the meeting and help decide who should be involved. This will include information from the social worker, the child, select professionals, and anyone who was unable to attend. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. By the end of this section you should be clear about the purpose of an FGC and what you need to consider when making your family plan. - Private family time:
During this section, all professionals will leave the room so you can talk everything through and put together your family plan. Refreshments are provided and you can take as many breaks as you need. - Clarifying and agreeing the plan:
This is where you discuss your Family Plan with the social worker. Your plan will be accepted as long as the child is safe. This is also your opportunity to request support and resources, and decide how the plan will be monitored and reviewed. The FGC coordinator will send out the plan to everyone who attended the conference.
