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FAMILY GROUP DECISION MAKING: A PRIMER

PRECONFERENCE G

Lisa Merkel-Holguin, M.S.W.
Leslie Wilmot, M.S.S.W.
American Humane Association
63 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, CO 80112

FAMILY GROUP DECISION MAKING: A PRIMER

In the year 2000, more than 100 U.S. communities (defined as cites or counties) implemented family group decision making (FGDM) initiatives -- a significant increase from the five communities identified in a 1995 survey on innovative practices and system reform completed by the American Humane Association. The interest in this approach can be attributed to a number of factors.

First, the family-centered and strengths-based practices embedded in family group decision making process, are consistent with philosophical shifts occurring within the child welfare profession. Second, FGDM meshes with the child welfare system reform movement, where the responsibility of protecting children is increasingly shared between the child protection agencies, communities, and families. Third, one of the suggested outcomes of FGDM--an increase in the number of children placed with kin--reinforces the Federal and State emphasis on the importance of kinship care as an option for children who need to be cared for outside of their own homes.

This seminar will serve as a primer for those interested in FGDM. Discussion will include the following main points:

• Historical world and national overview of FGDM
• Philosophies embodied in FGDM practice
• Definable terms for the various approaches
• Description of FGDM models (Family Group Conferencing, Family Decision Meetings), including their similarities and differences
• Description of FGDM processes
• Creating and sustaining partnerships with families and within communities
• Beginning implementation strategies

Updated on February 24, 2010