Archived decisions

FUNCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCES

1. The Family Group Conference (FGC) process is based on the premise that families know more about their own circumstances and needs than professionals do and should have a greater say in deciding what help, support and services they need. Better outcomes for children can be achieved when families and young people have a greater say in key decisions which affect their lives, and are able to work in collaboration with professionals. FGCs were first introduced in Hampshire in 1993. Essentially, they provide a structured planning and decision making meeting which involves the wider family network in partnership with and supported by the statutory and other agencies. The conferences are convened by a trained co-ordinator, who arranges a meeting to consider concerns and enable the family to make plans to resolve a child's problems and meet other needs.

2. In July 2005, the Executive Lead Member took the decision to unify the delivery of Hampshire FGCs starting with the north of the county, with the phasing in of other areas the unification of the budget and joint management with Children's Services from April 2006. This was to be introduced on the basis of extensive consultation with stakeholders. Its purpose to target the use of FGCs more rigorously with children and in particular those priority groups as identified by the Children's Services. The Executive Lead Member has now approved a further decision to enhance the move towards in-house provision, including new management and staffing arrangements in relation to this important area of work. A Conference led by Mike Doolan, consultant and expert in FGC's, was held on 1 November 2006 to launch the "Bringing Together of Family Group Conferences". Not only will the new arrangements ensure integration of the FGC system and practice into case management and decision making but will enable full consideration to be given to the care needs of children and families whose difficulties are such that children are either on the brink of, or already being looked after, or in danger of being prosecuted for non-school attendance. A copy of the report approved by the Executive Lead Member on this item is available in the Members' Rooms.

3. The above initiative increases the possibility for children to be diverted from public care and instead be cared for safely within their extended family and community and attend, enjoy and achieve at school. Also, it helps people to be better informed and requires partnerships working between families and other agencies. This supports the Council's Corporate priorities.