Emily Blackshaw, lead quantitative analyst and Max Stanford, head of impact and evaluation at Coram outline findings from an evaluation of the use of FGCs at the pre-proceedings stage.
FGCs were found to have a positive impact for families. Picture: Rethea B/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock
FGCs were found to have a positive impact for families. Picture: Rethea B/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock

Family group conferences (FGCs) are a type of decision making used in children's social care in the UK and internationally, involving meetings led by family members to plan and make decisions for a child who is at risk of harm or abuse. FGCs have the potential to offer local authorities a way to fulfil their statutory obligation to ascertain the wishes and feelings of relevant people.

The Independent Review of Children's Social Care was positive about family group decision making. Review chair Josh MacAlister recommended a new legal entitlement before a case reaches the Public Law Outline (pre-proceedings stage), “so that a family-led alternative plan for taking care of the child can be considered before a care order is presented by the local authority to the court”.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this

Trainee Social Worker

London (Central), London (Greater)

Head of Growth, Development and Outreach (Maternity Cover)

Home based, with regular travel across the UK for work