Children/young people are best looked after within their family group. were difficult at first but when all families put their “Things difference aside, it went very well.” Aunt The Background to Family Group Conference Family Group Conference (FGC’s) originated in New Zealand from the Maori people. Maori groups had made it clear to the Department of Social Welfare in New Zealand that they were unhappy about the impact of child welfare decision making on their traditional way of life. There were high numbers of Maori children in State Care compared to the rest of the child population; often in culturally insensitive placements. There was a lack of involvement of families in decision making about the care of their children. New Zealand passed the Children and Young Persons & their Families Act 1989 which introduced Family Group Conferences as the statutory process for working in partnership between the State and the family group. The FGC is recognised as the key process in New Zealand by which family groups make informed and responsible decisions, recommendations and plans for their children and young people. The FGC aims to empower families within the States systems for decision making & planning to:- Make sure the or young person will live in a safe environment and develop their potential as an individual. Draw on the family’s knowledge and experience to decide what is best for the or young person. Encourage the child or young person to take part in the decisions that directly affect them.
Children/young people are best looked after within their family group. “Things were difficult at first but when all families put their difference aside, it went very well.” Aunt The Background to Family Group Conference Family Group Conference (FGC’s) originated in New Zealand from the Maori people. Maori groups had made it clear to the Department of Social Welfare in New Zealand that they were unhappy about the impact of child welfare decision making on their traditional way of life. There were high numbers of Maori children in State Care compared to the rest of the child population; often in culturally insensitive placements. There was a lack of involvement of families in decision making about the care of their children. New Zealand passed the Children and Young Persons & their Families Act 1989 which introduced Family Group Conferences as the statutory process for working in partnership between the State and the family group. The FGC is recognised as the key process in New Zealand by which family groups make informed and responsible decisions, recommendations and plans for their children and young people. The FGC aims to empower families within the States systems for decision making & planning to:- Make sure the or young person will live in a safe environment and develop their potential as an individual. Draw on the family’s knowledge and experience to decide what is best for the or young person. Encourage the child or young person to take part in the decisions that directly affect them.