A Family Group Conference is an opportunity to bring a support network together. The aims of the meeting are to work together to create a plan. The plan is there to help resolve challenges. The plan aims to keep everyone safe.

At the Family Group Conference, there are three parts.

Part 1 is called ‘Information Sharing’. This is where invited professionals share information about the current situation. People can also ask questions. Opportunities for support and help are also shared.

Part 2 is called ‘Private Family Time’. Professionals do not take part in this section. The support network works together to address specific questions. From this, they make a plan. They can use the information shared in Part 1 to help them.

Part 3 is called ‘Agreeing the Plan’. This is where the family present the plan to the professional who referred them. Their Coordinator might ask questions about the plan. This is to help make sure the plan is clear and everyone can follow it. In cases referred by Children’s Social Services, the Social Worker decides if they can approve the plan. They family may be given extra time to revise the plan.

Someone in the family agrees to monitor the plan.

Often, a Review meeting happens about 3 months later to check in with the support network.

Read our full article: What is a Family Group Conference?

An experienced Family Group Coordinator will make contact to arrange a time to visit you.

They will explain in detail the process and stages of a Family Group Conference.

They will answer your questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Having a Family Group Conference will be your choice. Meeting with the Coordinator does not commit you to going ahead. You can decide afterwards.

Your Coordinator is there to help guide you. They will help you make the most of the Conference.

You can invite family and friends who are important to you and your family.

Your Coordinator will help you to think about who this might be.

They should be people that you trust. They could give ideas to resolve the difficulties that have been identified.

You could also invite anyone else who currently supports you. For example, members of a community organisation, school, workplace or faith group.

It is important for the children to have a voice. We encourage them to attend.

Often children attend with someone to support them.

If they can’t attend, your Coordinator will discuss ways to share their voice.

For example, a person called an Advocate might meet with them. They will be able to share their views in the meeting.

Your Coordinator will discuss options with you.

Your Coordinator will discuss this with you and with your social worker.

Children’s involvement is important. However, we want to do this safely.

If needed, children can step out with someone to look after them. Sometimes children only stay for a bit of the Conference.

People do not have contact with their families for a whole range of reasons.

The Coordinator can help you think about who could be in your support network.

They might be good friends, neighbours, or other community members.

They do not have to be blood relatives. Consider inviting people who care and you trust.

The Coordinator will make sure people feel prepared to come. They will talk to everyone coming and answer their questions and concerns.

If they do not want to come, the Coordinator will discuss their decision with you.

The Coordinator will work with this family member. They will try to ensure they are included in the Family Group Conference a safe way. 

However, sometimes there can be significant safeguarding concerns. In this situation, this family member they will not be able to participate as ordered by the Court.

A Social Worker has referred your friend or family member for a Family Group Conference.

Part of this process, is to invite people who support them.

You have been invited because your friend or family member feels that you can help with their situation.

If you are able to attend, your role is to listen to the information shared. You and other people invited, will discuss in private ways to address the concerns shared.

Your ideas and offers of help are appreciated.

The family’s Coordinator will discuss the Conference with you. They can answer any questions and concerns that you may have. They want to make sure you feel prepared.

Please discuss this with the Coordinator. They may be able to suggest a way for you to be involved.

As well as your family and friends, your social worker and other service providers will be there.

Only your family and friends will be at the second part, called ‘Private Family Time’.

Professionals are there to give information to help you plan.

The social worker will have made the referral of your case to Daybreak.

It is the social worker’s job to share the local authority’s concerns, and the strengths that a family has. The are also there to give information about the support they can offer to you and your family.

They will also be able to answer any questions you may have.

At the end of the Conference, your family will present your plan to the social worker. It is the social worker that approves the plan as safe .

Every family’s Conference is different.

On average, they last around 2-3 hours.

You will be able to take a break at any time. Refreshments will be available.

The Conference will be at neutral venue. For example, a community centre, hall or other local facility of your choice.

Meeting outside of someone’s house works best for all invited.

The Coordinator will make sure you have everything that you need. For example, toilets, accessibility, parking and private space.

The Coordinator will discuss the venue with you and, if you agree, they will make the booking.

It can be helpful for you to share your concerns with your Coordinator.

Your Coordinator will speak with everyone coming. They will talk about what to expect. They will also discuss how to manage emotions and feelings at the Conference.

At the Conference, your Coordinator will remind everyone of the expectations. They will also be reminded on the purpose of the Conference and why everyone is there.

The Coordinator will work with everyone to ensure everyone stays safe.

Taking part in a Family Group Conference is your choice.

Your social work has referred you because they think it might help.

If you don’t want to take part, the Coordinator will tell your Social Worker. They will also send you a letter to confirm this.

Your Social Worker will discuss your options with you.

If you change your mind, you may be able to ask for another referral.

You can discuss any concerns with your Coordinator.

You will receive an email with a link to your family action plan. This email will include instructions for how to save it on a computer, Android or Apple device. You will also have been given instructions from your Coordinator.

These instructions can be downloaded here.