Since 1989 the Family Group Cconference process has increasingly gained recognition as the preferred process in developing plans to protect children from immediate harm and provide them with a complete and ongoing support system involving their extended family. By partnering with with the whole extended family in a decision-making process, child protection workers have been able to assist families in providing wrap-around supports that fit the needs of children and youth in need of care and protection. In working from this perspective, social workers can engage with the family in a partnership process, thus embracing core social work values.
Principles of New Zealand's Children Young Persons and their Families Act is rooted in the belief that communicating genuine confidence in the strength of another, prompts the very reactions needed to induce constructive problem solving thinking. Put another way, when we are approached with respect and asked for input and help we usually respond positively. That response impulse is magnified a thousand times when a family member is at risk of harm, particularly if that member is a child or young individual.
Since successful and lasting outcomes for children and youth are developed best from rigid observation of the principles of the New Zealand Act, it should not be surprising that so much emphasis is placed on preparation of the FGC process. Thus during the initial planning stage, great care is taken to connect individually with each family member to explain roles, expectations, the FGC process, resources available, and most importantly, full concerns. Additionally, family members are asked to identify where they would like to meet, what food to serve, travel and/or child care arrangements are needed, and of great importance, cultural traditions such as circle talks or prayers are signifivcant to summon the meeting. See The Family Group Conference Process