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Family Group Conferencing Services
What is Family Group Conferencing (FGC)?
Family Group Conferencing is a collaborative approach aimed at supporting children's well-being by empowering families to create their own plans. The process begins with a referral initiated by a caseworker or professional who recognizes the need for family support. The aim is to bring together the family to discuss concerns and develop a plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests.
How to Make a Referral
If you believe that Family Group Conferencing could benefit a child or family, there are several ways to initiate a referral:
1. Work with a Caseworker: If you are connected with a child welfare agency, discuss the potential for an FGC with your caseworker. They will assess the appropriateness of an FGC and complete the referral on your behalf.
2. Contact Relevant Services: If you’re a professional engaged with a family, you can make a referral by completing the appropriate forms and reaching out to a support service. For instance, Family and Child Connect in Queensland is available for referrals through a phone call or online form.
3. Complete a Referral Form: As a professional, you can initiate the process through a standard referral form available on platforms like the PSP Learning Hub. This form ensures that all necessary information is captured for the referral.
What Happens After the Referral is Made?
After a referral is submitted, the following steps take place:
- Permission: The family must provide consent for the referral to proceed, ensuring that they are comfortable with the process.
- Facilitator Assignment: An impartial facilitator will be designated to the case. They will reach out to the family to clarify the purpose of the FGC and discuss the next steps.
- Information Gathering: The facilitator will meet with the family and other relevant individuals to understand the child’s circumstances better. This discussion will help identify who should participate in the FGC.
- Family Preparation: Families will have the opportunity to express their thoughts, ideas, and list potential invitees to the conference, including extended family, support persons, or community leaders.
The FGC Meeting Structure
The Family Group Conference involves three key stages:
1. Information Sharing: Everyone present will discuss the situation and the reasons behind the FGC, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs.
2. Family Time: Families will convene privately to brainstorm and create a detailed plan addressing the child’s well-being and service referrals.
3. Discussion and Agreement: Lastly, the family will present their plan to the professionals involved. If everyone agrees, the plan will be documented and shared with all participants for implementation.
If you're a professional or a concerned individual seeking to initiate an FGC, please reach out to us today. Together, we can help create a supportive environment for families to thrive and ensure the best outcomes for children.
At Natara Consultancy Group, our Cultural Care Plans are meticulously crafted by our skilled Cultural Consultants, who prioritise respectful and meaningful engagement with children, young people, their families, and, when relevant, their kin and community.
Natara Consultancy Group collaborates closely with the casework team to:
- Collect and document both historical and contemporary family narratives, cultural traditions, and practices unique to each child or young person.
- Ensure consistent and thorough consultation with the casework team responsible for managing the cases of children and young people, facilitating the gathering of precise information for inclusion in the Cultural Care Plan.
- Promote culturally sensitive and respectful interactions to foster stronger relationships with children, young people, and their families.
- Conduct home visits, as well as telephone and video conferences, to acquire pertinent information essential for the Cultural Care Plan.
- Create and maintain an up-to-date, comprehensive digital Genogram that encapsulates vital family information.
- Collaborate to establish tailored recommendations within the Cultural Care Plan, addressing the specific cultural needs of each child or young person. These recommendations guide the casework team in ensuring that the child or young person remains connected to their culture while nurturing their identity, sense of self, overall well-being, and understanding of their heritage and belonging.
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