Family group conferences (FGC)

A family group conference is a decision making and planning process whereby the wider family group makes plans and decisions for children and young people who have been identified either by the family or by service providers as being in need of a plan that will safeguard and promote their welfare. FGCs do not replace or remove the need for child protection conferences, which should always be held when the relevant criteria are met. FGCs may be valuable, for example:

* for children in need, in a range of circumstances where a plan is required for the child's future welfare;

* where section 47 enquiries do not substantiate concerns about significant harm, but where support and services are required; and

* where section 47 enquiries progress to a child protection conference, the conference may agree that an FGC is an appropriate vehicle for the core group to use to develop the outline child protection plan into a fully worked-up plan.

It is essential that all parties are provided with clear and accurate information, which will make efective planning possible. The family is the primary planning group in the process. Family members need to be able to understand what the issues are from the perspective of the professionals. The family and involved professionals should be clear about:

* what the professional findings are from any core assessment of the child and family;

* what the family understands about their current situation;

* what decisions are required;

* what decisions have already been taken;

* the family's scope for decision-making, and whether there are any issues/ decisions that are not negotiable; and

* what resources are, or might be, avaliable to implement any plan. Within this framework, agencies and professionals should agree to support the plan if it does not place the child at risk of suffering significant harm, and if the resources requested can be provided.

This information has been taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010.