FGC process


FGC Outcomes


Emerging Trends


FGC Training Resources


NZ Legislation

A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a formal meeting that involves extended family members in a decision-making process when it is determined that a child or young person is in need of care and protection. Rooted in Mauri traditions, this process became mandatory in New Zealand child protection legislation in 1989. Since then, professionals from health, community services and judicial systems throughout many parts of the world, have proclaimed Family Group Conferencing as the chosen method of intervention in child protection situations.

New Zealand's Children Young Persons and their Families Act, 1989 (CYPFA) is revolutionary child welfare legislation. Rooted in Mauri traditions the CYPFA is based on the principle that families and young persons should be involved in decisions effecting their lives; and furthermore, in the belief that when families and young persons make decisions for themselves, they are more likely to work. The central feature of the CYPFA is the Family Group Conference (FGC). Initially, the FGC was intended for use in child protection cases only. However, as discussions deepened it became clear that the same principles for FGC in child welfare matters, also applied to youth justice situations that require court involvement.

A variety of decision-making models exist within child welfare and youth justice systems that provide alternatives to Court processes using a variety of names and terms to describe these programs. The theoretical principals upon which these models are based, significantly influence organizational structures, practice policy and oucomes for children and youth. See Theoretical Perspectives: Conflict Theory versus Ecological and Family Systems Driven Models of Practice