All families are unique with their own values and personal dynamics. At a family group conference, the decision makers are the family members, and not the professionals. Its here that the family members (mother, father, aunt or grandparent) get together with the child/young person to talk and make plans and decisions on how to resolve the situation.

STEP 1 - The Referral

• There is agreement between family members and staff from an organisation that a plan needs to be made for a child or young person.
• An independent coordinator is appointed to work with the family to set up the meeting.

STEP 2 - Preparation For The Meeting  

• The coordinator, in conjunction with child, young person and immediate carers, identifies the family network which can include close friends.
• The coordinator sends out invitations and agrees a venue, date and time for the conference.
• Family members and friends invited to the conference will be contacted by the coordinator who will let them know what the meeting is about and discuss any worries or concerns they may have.

STEP 3 - The Meeting 

a) Information giving

This is where staff from agencies give the family the information they have about the child or young person and about services, resources and support that may be available. This part of the meeting is chaired by the coordinator.

b) Private family time

Staff and the coordinator are not present during this part. The family members have time to talk among themselves and come up with a plan that addresses the concerns raised by the staff in Part 1.

c) Agreeing the plan

The coordinator and staff rejoin the family to hear the family’s plan. Any services or support from the agencies needed to make the plan work are discussed. The plan should be agreed by agencies unless it places the child or young person at risk of significant harm. Everybody decides how they will check if the plan is working and what they will do if it is not working.

STEP 4 - Reviewing The Plan

• A review family group conference or other meeting is often arranged to review how the plan is working and make new plans if necessary.