What is a Family Group Conference?

Family Group Conferences (FGCs) usually include participation by parents, children, extended family, caregivers, community members, and the referring Social Worker.

The family takes a lead role in decision making and plan development during an FGC process. Social Workers will participate at the beginning and end of the meeting, providing time for the family to develop a plan on their own.

The resulting Family Plan is reviewed by the Social Worker to ensure it addresses identified child safety concerns.FGCs vary in length and can take up to a full day.

If you are unsure which meeting type would work best for the individual or family you are working with, please reach out to intake@siws.ca for further guidance.

Who Requests a Family Group Conference?

MCFD, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies, community service providers, community members and individuals/families can make a referral for SIWS for a Family Group Conference.

Would you like to organize a Family Group Conference?

What is Involved?

The SIWS Collaborative Facilitator is a neutral coordinator / facilitator who will:

  • Work with family and professionals to identify people with connections to the child and parents to participate in the FGC (i.e. extended family, community members, and professionals).
  • Arrange transportation for out of town participants.
  • Arrange cultural or traditional ceremonies if requested.

  • Facilitate a collaborative meeting that includes:

    • Information sharing and identification of child safety concerns.
    • Designated “private family time” for family members to develop their own plan.
    • Documentation of a plan that is agreed to by all participants.
    • An opportunity for the Social Worker to review the plan and request adjustments if needed.
    • Social Worker approval of the plan, if it adequately addresses the safety and permanency needs of the child.

What are the outcomes?

FGC results in a plan that describes:

  • How to ensure the child’s safety.
  • Access and connection to the child’s family, community, and culture.
  • Action steps and individual responsibilities to implement the plan.
  • A stable/permanent placement for the child.

Outcomes from an FGC include:

  • More children in the care of extended family.
  • Improved placement stability and permanence.
  • Improved connection to family, culture, and community.

Have a Referral?

If you know an individual or family who you feel could benefit from these services, please complete a referral form. For any questions, please contact us at:

  • Youth Referral   WORD  |  PDF
  • Family Referral   WORD  |  PDF
  • Support Worker Referral   WORD  |  PDF
  • Elder & Cultural Support Referral   WORD  |  PDF
  • Lifelong Connections Worker Referral   WORD  |  PDF