Family group conferencing : involving the wider family in child protection decision making

Family Group Conference (FGC) is a practice which encourages family participation in decision making when a child or children are in need of protection or support. It encourages the wider kinship connection to provide solutions for a plan that can often be complex. It seeks to capitalise on the strengths and connections of the wider family network. This paper will explore the principles, ethos and history of FGC, the importance of the uniqueness of families (including cultural sensitivity), the promotion of choice and support of a family's right to express their independence and to demonstrate best practice in this field of work in relation to engagement, preparation and time.