Presentation to the Support Care Conference

Date : 21st June 2010

Carlos Williams, FGC Deputy Manager/Co-ordinator

Working to promote & safeguard

the welfare of children

via the Family Group Conference

process

FGC ManagerAnne Barlow

3 Senior Co-ordinatorsCarlos WilliamsHilary Cannon Surjit Bains

Business Support Sam Parrott

5 Sessional Co-ordinators :Julie Clement Roger DavisJo MastertonJo SanctuaryPeter Thompson

A decision making process – where the wider family group makes decisions and plans.

Based on belief that given POWER , INFORMATION & RESOURCES families can make safe, effective, realistic and lasting plans for their children.

The fundamental hypothesis of family group conferencing is disarmingly simple:

Humans beings are happier, more co-operative and more likely to make positive changes in their behaviour when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them Ted Wachtel - 2004

Disproportionately high numbers of Maori children in the care of the State.

Culturally inappropriate placements Institutional racism in child welfare system Children, Young People and their Families

Act 1989. New Zealand

Introduced to UK in 1992 –Family Rights Group. Now widely used across UK and internationally. Fits well with; Children Act 1989 Children Act 2004 – agencies working together &

involving families in partnership. Every Child Matters- national agenda Care Matters Public Law Outline 2008

Any local authority looking after a child shall make arrangements to enable that child to live with a member of his family, relative,

friend or other person connected with him, unless to do so would be impractical or

inconsistent with the child’s welfare

Children Act 1989 (section 23 (6))

A process – not just a meeting

The FGC MODELReferral

Preparation

The Conference Information Giving Private Family Time

Clarifying the plan with family Presenting & agreeing plan with agencies

Implementation of the plan

Review of the plan

The meeting belongs to the family Family as the primary planning group Wide interpretation of “family” Role of agencies to share information ,

knowledge & resources Independent Co-ordinator facilitates the

meeting

Co-ordinator manages diversity Co-ordinator identifies advocacy needs Private Planning Time Family Plans accepted & supported by the

agencies – criteria? Plans to be monitored & reviewed by family

Every family is unique. Use of family expertise . Culturally sensitive. Involving wider family & friends can make

planning for children more effective. Redresses power imbalance between

family & agencies. Children’s right to family life & involvement

of family in planning for their future

Core Assessments & clear information to families about what needs to change.

Reduce Court Time Scales – Prior to proceedings

Conflict resolution to prevent or narrow down the issues in proceedings.

Family & Friends as Carers (FFACs) considered & assessed.

PLO requires a ‘Family Meeting' - early FGC preferable

PLO Flowchart – Milton Keynes

Section 17 Family Support Plan

Section 17 Intervention__________________

Initial/Core Assessment

Resources Panel/Assistant Director

CP Conference/Child Care Review

Identify family and friends

Notice of Intention to issue if possible

Issue EPO/Care Prox

Obtain Checklist

documents

Legal Open File

‘PLO’ Working Agreement

CPC Review/LAC

Review

Initial Assessment ofFamilymember

identified at FGC

ResourcesPanel

IssueNotice of

Intention to issue

FGC

PLO FLOW CHART URGENT MATTERS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Referrals

FGC's

Reviews

Outcomes 2009 – in Care Proceedings19 families involving 47 children 9 children placed with wider family 4 remain with parents 13 children – family members being

assessed 21 no viable family carers

Outcomes 2009 – C.P. /PLO

Avoided Care Proceedings: 7 families involving 11 children These children remain with parents no longer

subject to Child Protection plans

Other Family Court resolutions3 children from 3 families -S.G.O’s to

Grandparents 1 child residence order - Aunt

5 children from 2 families Parent Residence orders & contact

Thank you Any Questions?