Children's Services

Children in need

Family Group Conference Project

Services available

A family group conference gives members of a family the chance to meet and explore and understand what is happening with the family and plan what needs to happen next to overcome any problems.

It is an opportunity to find out whether they can provide a long-term safe and secure placement for the young person, with extra support if this is needed.

We will introduce a Family Group Conference Coordinator to the family to help them arrange their meeting and make sure that we support any family members who can contribute to the plan.

Eligibility

We can provide a family group conference to families in the Barking and Dagenham area who we identify as in need of our services.

Assessment process

We will carry out the initial assessments in line with the Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (2000). We will consider a family group conference:

After a referral to Children's Services
After an initial assessment at child-protection case conference
After children's case reviews; and
When we need to make a decision about a child's or young person's future

Frequently asked questions

What do we mean by family?

The word family, for the purpose of family group conferences, refers to anyone who cares about a child or young person whether they are a relative or a friend.

Who is invited to a family group conference?

Who goes to the conferences depends on each family. It is important that all family members have an opportunity to take part in the meeting, which may include family members with whom there have been difficulties in the past.

It is often the case that when families are able to put their differences aside, they are the best people to help their child or young person.

What happens at a family group conference?

The first part of the meeting is led by the coordinator. They will make sure that all family members have the information needed and give it to them in a straightforward way. They are then left alone as a family to talk things through together. The coordinator is always available to help if needed.

Once the family make decisions, they write them down, making sure that everyone is clear about what has been agreed. As long as the suggested plan does not put the child or young person at any risk, we will do it.

What about the child's or young person's view?

We always take account of the children's and young people's wishes and feelings. Depending on their age and understanding, the aim is for them to be involved as much as possible in the family group conference.

Contact

Family Group Conference Project

Woodlands

Rainham Road North

Dagenham

RM10 7ER

Tel: 020 8270 6968

Fax: 020 8270 6969

Email: alison.owen@lbbd.gov.uk|

Children's self assessment form|