Family group conferencing

Welcare Family Group Conferences help families create their own workable family plan when a child might otherwise be at risk of being taken into care. ‘Family’ can mean blood relative or neighbours and friends that support the family.

Unlike traditional ‘social services’ meetings, these conferences put the family in charge of the meeting, supported by a skilled Welcare facilitator.

Families are encouraged to bring to the conference as many members of the family as is helpful, so that the whole family is behind the plan.

Professionals attend only as ‘information givers’ – giving the family a clear account of their concerns, and also what support they can offer.

When they are ready, families are then left in private to talk through the situation and make some decisions. Their aim is to come up with a workable plan for their family, to present to the information givers.

Provided the plan doesn’t put the child at risk of significant harm it will be accepted. The information givers will then work with the family to implement the plan.

Around 80% of families who are offered a family group conference will accept the opportunity. Around 90% of families produce a plan following a family group conference.

Download the Welcare Family Group Conferences leaflet.

It really pulled the family back together.

Referring social worker

Stories of success

Hassan’s story

Hassan, 7, was at serious risk of being taken into care.