Independent Family Group Conferences empowering families to create safe, supportive plans for positive and lasting outcomes.

A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a professionally facilitated meeting that brings families and support networks together to create safe, practical plans for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It supports open communication, shared decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving, helping families find positive solutions to complex challenges.

Our independent FGC service provides structured preparation, skilled facilitation, and clear follow-up, ensuring safeguarding, wellbeing, and long-term stability remain at the heart of every plan.

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A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a structured, family-led meeting that brings together family members, friends, and professionals to create safe, practical, and supportive plans for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

FGCs empower families to take an active role in decision-making, strengthen support networks, and develop solutions that promote safety, wellbeing, and long-term stability.

Why Use a Family Group Conference?

FGCs help:

• Promote child safety and safeguarding

• Support early intervention and prevention

• Strengthen family relationships and support systems

• Reduce the need for statutory intervention

• Encourage collaborative problem-solving

How the Family Group Conference Process Works

Step 1 – Referral & Initial Contact

Once a referral is received, an independent coordinator contacts the family and professionals to explain the FGC process, gather information, and begin preparation.

Step 2 – Preparation & Planning

The coordinator works with all participants to:

• Identify key family members and support networks

• Explain expectations and outcomes

• Ensure everyone is prepared and supported

• Address accessibility and communication needs

Step 3 – The Family Group Conference Meeting

The meeting brings together:

• Family members

• Friends and support networks

• Relevant professionals

Information is shared clearly, followed by private family time, allowing families to develop their own safe and practical support plan.

Step 4 – Family-Led Decision Making

Families create a plan that addresses:

• Safety and safeguarding

• Care arrangements

• Emotional wellbeing

• Practical support

• Contingency planning

Step 5 – Plan Review & Follow-Up

The agreed plan is shared with professionals and reviewed to ensure:

• Progress is being made

• Safeguarding remains effective

• Support continues as needed