National data to track family-group conferences

4 March 3 mins read Joanne Parkes Social Care

A national evidence collection has been launched on the use of family-group conferences (FGC) in decision-making about at-risk children, after research found inconsistencies in local authorities offering the model.

Dr Jo Casebourne, chief executive of research body Foundations, hopes that the new data will support local authorities to make a real difference for families and children

FGCs can be effective at diverting children from care, according to previous research by Foundations – the government-funded what works centre for children and families, but the organisation says a more comprehensive picture is needed.

This is particularly because the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, contains legislation that will require councils to offer family-group decision-making (FGDM), of which FGCs are one model.

FGCs are described by Foundations as “family-led decision-making process at which the wider family, friends and community network come together to plan for a child at risk of harm or abuse, ensuring the child’s voice is heard where possible”.

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