One - Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 April 2022
Summary
This book presents a set of chapters which explore the application of Family Group Conferences (hereafter often referred to as FGCs) as a family-led decision-making model in the social care field. The first three chapters provide a context for FGCs. Chapter Two explores the legislative and policy context for FGCs within the UK. Chapter Three provides a detailed description of FGCs and emphasises the distinction between the model and other decision-making processes. Chapter Four examines the theoretical context of FGCs and locates the model within social work and sociological theory frameworks. Subsequent chapters explore the application of Family Group Conferences in particular areas of social care practice: child protection, youth justice, young people who display harmful sexual behaviour and adult social care. Other chapters discuss the relevance of Family Group Conferences as a culturally competent method of social work practice and demonstrate the cross-cultural application of the model, as a global model of decision making. The book aims to provide a detailed overview of FGCs for a wide audience of interested readers. These may include social workers and social work students, FGC practitioners and family members who have had, or are considering, an FGC. The book provides a multi-disciplinary approach with contributing authors from a range of backgrounds. This includes family members who have experienced an FGC, practitioners and academics. Inevitably this leads to a varied approach to chapters which aims to add to the wide appeal of the book. A glossary is provided for those not familiar with social work terminology. Since there are a range of authors this will encompass a range of views on the FGC process which encompasses both an enthusiastic endorsement and a more critical perspective.
History and development
Family Group Conferences are welfare decision-making meetings which originated in New Zealand in the 1980s. They emerged in response to concerns in New Zealand (Aotearoa) about the outcomes for Maori children and young people involved with social care services. This resulted in the 1988 Puao te ata tu report (Ministerial Advisory Committee, 1988) which was the result of extensive consultation with Maori communities. The report recommended the development of participatory decision making when working with the Maori community and a requirement to respect Maori culture and tradition.
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- Information
- Family Group Conferences in Social WorkInvolving Families in Social Care Decision Making, pp. 3 - 14Publisher: Bristol University PressPrint publication year: 2018