Q. What is Family Group Decision Making?

A. A term used to describe a variety of programs that bring families together. Frequently the goal is to create plans that reunite children with their parents, relatives or friends.

It is a most often a voluntary program, and no one is forced to attend the meetings. Occasionally it is court ordered. Each family decides who will be there, and it could include a wide variety of people who support and are concerned about your family.

A facilitated meeting brings together immediate and extended family members, close friends, community members and support people. It’s up to the family to decide who they want to attend.

It is a family centered, strength-based decision making process. People trained in the Family Group Decision Making models of family conferences organize it. They are skilled, neutral facilitators. Their job is to support the process, not to take sides.

The goal is to create a plan of action specifically tailored to the needs of each family. This process gives you the tools and opportunity to create a unique plan yourself, with as much, or as little, assistance from the facilitators.

Q. Why is it useful, and what does it hope to accomplish?

A. Often family members have a difficult time dealing with a variety of issues, or are ordered by court or family services to take part in such a meeting. These issues may have to do with children, older adults or other family members. People may be uncomfortable talking about certain topics; not understanding what's happening to them; or have communication and conflict issues that must be addressed first. Family conferences can be a significantly positive method of decision making for many families.

During the pre-meeting phase, coordinators have a chance to talk with, and listen to, close family members, other relatives, friends, service providers and anyone else who might have an interest in the care and safety of the children.

Who is considered part of the "family"? Anyone who cares about the family members, and everyone who is important to the person’s life. This may include children, close relatives, extended family members and other friends who are considered "part of the family". This may also include service providers who may be working with family members.

The goals are for people to be able to share thought, feelings, concerns and hope in a safe, supportive environment. The meeting is designed to promote the creation of a unique family plan that addresses specific issues identified by the family. Other goals include sharing responsibility for improving family relationships; increasing safety for children or older adults, and empowering family voices. This collaboration among family members and service providers (if necessary), almost always results in closer and more productive future communication by the group.

Q. What are some of the typical issues dealt with in by Family Group Decision Making?

• Reunification/Probation problems
• Truancy and other school issues
• Family conflicts and communication
• Youth aging out of Foster care
• Independent living skills
• Domestic violence
• Mental health / illness
• Teen pregnancy
• Behavior concerns
• Abuse / neglect
• Termination of parental rights
• Chemical dependency
• Housing options
• Medical needs
• Adoption
• Terminal illness
• Grandparents raising grandchildren
• Finances
• Parenting and homemaking skills

Training is available for FGDM administrators, coordinators and facilitators.

A. Three-day training includes: Information about the types of cases appropriate for FGDM and how to work with children and families. Potential referral resources are also explored. Coordinating and facilitating cases is the main focus of the training. This includes improving communication, listening and questioning skills, remaining neutral, re-framing issues, helping the families focus on the issues rather than particular people, and dealing with a variety of situations and cultures.

The training is a combination of lecture and experiential exercises. We utilize writing, reflection, small and large group discussions, and role plays to help people practice using skills, tips and techniques we discuss and demonstrate during the workshop. Previous attendees have marveled at how much they have been helped by our training – becoming much more comfortable in their new roles.

We are available to travel to your location for on-site training. Please contact us for further information.

Who can benefit from using this process?

These are just some of the people, agencies, businesses and organizations who could make use of this process.

• Social Service agencies that serve families and youth
• Correction Facilities
• Mental health centers
• HMOs and other medical facilities
• Churches, synagogues and other faith communities
• Schools

Our training doesn’t end when we leave. We’re always available to answer questions, come up with ideas, brainstorm, and offer suggestions – all at no charge to you and your group.