Family Group Conferencing

Family Group Conferencing indicates a large-scale shift in assumptions about the way child welfare services are planned and delivered—away from models that emphasize pathology, and toward those seeking an ecological understanding of the families and social networks involved. The contributors also present a wealth of information on related approaches, such as community conferences, circles, and wraparound services. The British Journal of Social Work noted that “there are issues relating to both process and outcome. This book offers some answers that are intelligent and passionate.”

Family group conferences (FGCs) are a strengths-based approach to social work practice, empowering families to take responsibility for decision-making. It is a cost-effective service, which is currently used by the majority of local authorities. This collection discusses the origins and theoretical underpinnings of family led decision making and brings together the current research on the efficacy and limitations of FGCs into a single text. This insightful book also covers topics such as the use of FGCs in different areas of children and families social work, uses case studies to illustrate current practice, and explores whether FGCs should become a mainstream function of children and families social work.

Family Group Conferencing indicates a large-scale shift in assumptions about the way child welfare services are planned and delivered - away from models that emphasize pathology, and toward those seeking an ecological understanding of the families and social networks involved. The contributors also present a wealth of information on related approaches, such as community conferences, circles, and wraparound services. The British Journal of Social Work noted that 'there are issues relating to both process and outcome. This book offers some answers that are intelligent and passionate.'

The chapters in this book represent ... PCWC's 3rd bi-annual Symposium held in Edmonton, Alberta, November 23-25, 2005."

This collection of 6 documents covers a number of important issues related to restorative justice and provides victim-sensitive guidelines for restorative justice programs in probation or parole agencies, judicial agencies, religious groups, victim service organizations, community-based organizations and others. Contents: Family Group Conferencing; The History of Family Group Conferencing; Similarities and Differences Between Family Group Conferencing and Victim-Offender Mediation; Potential Dangers of Family Group Conferencing; Guidelines for Restorative Family Group Conferencing; Conclusion; Bibliography.

In 1989, New Zealand formalized the social work trend toward involving the family in child protection decision-making processes. Central to this legislation is the Family Group Conference, based on indigenous Maori decision-making practices. Connolly (social work, U. of Canterbury, New Zealand) and McKenzie (community and family studies, U. of Otago, New Zealand) discuss the social construction of family decision-making, the country's experience with this empowering model, international adaptations, and the necessity of a sound theoretical basis--which they provide in their Effective Participatory Practice model exemplified in two case studies. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This collection of papers assesses the principles and practices of family group conferences in the juvenile justice and child protection systems. Contributors describe the how the values which distinguish family group conferences -- respecting the integrity of the family unit; including the extended family; strengthening family and community supports; sharing power between the state and families; creating opportunities for parents to feel responsible for their children and themselves; and showing sensitivity and respect for families cultures -- are applied in various jurisdictions and settings.