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Family Group Decision-Making
Family group decision-making refers to a collection of family intervention approaches in which family members come together to make decisions about caring for their children and to develop a plan for services. This type of intervention also is referred to as family team conferencing, family team meetings, family group conferencing, family team decision-making, family unity meetings, and team decision-making.
While approaches differ in various aspects, they all feature family (broadly defined) participation in the assessment and a broad range of decisions that impact child safety, permanency, and well-being.
Building Community Partnerships in Child Welfare. Part Two, Team Decisionmaking Involving the Family and Community in Child Welfare Decisions (PDF - 181 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2002)
Describes the team decision-making approach used by Family to Family initiatives to involve family members, extended family, and the community in permanency decisions and services for children in out-of-home care.
Family Group Conferencing: Bringing the Family into Family-Centered Practice
National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning (2004)
Webcast provides general information on family group conferencing and specific discussion of its use with African American and Native American families.
Family Group Decision-Making: Incorporating Family Strength, Concerns, and Resources in Developing a Safety Plan (PDF - 123 KB)
Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
CASCW Practice Notes, 12, 2002
Presents a four-stage framework, outlines roles of different participants, and discusses confidentiality issues. Tips are provided for ensuring the child is heard throughout the process.
Family Group Decision Making Offers Alternative Approach to Child Welfare
McElroy & Goodsoe
Youth Law News, 19(3), 1998
View Abstract
Discusses varied reasons for which cases are referred, and differences in various programs' assessment of which cases are eligible. Presents strengths and concerns about mediation and family group decision-making.
Family Group Decision Making: Protecting Children and Women
Pennell & Burford
Child Welfare, 79(2), 2000
View Abstract
Describes the outcomes of the Family Group Decision Making Project implemented in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The model promotes collaboration between relatives, friends, and other community supports to end the secrecy of family violence and ensure the safety of adults and children.
Family Group Decision Making Research Summary
American Humane
A summary of current and past research and evaluation projects in family group decision-making. Includes local, national, and international research and evaluation projects, links to or contact information for ordering copies of full studies if available, and instruments used for data collection.
Family Group Decision Making: Tools for Permanency (PDF - 38 KB)
National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning (1998)
Describes two basic program models: family group conferencing, based on a New Zealand model designed to be consistent with Maori tribal practices, and family unity meetings, incorporating a family-centered approach to social welfare practice and family treatment.
Family Team Decision Making: A Focus on Decision Making and Next Step Actions (PDF - 36 KB)
Iowa Department of Human Services (2004)
Information for facilitating family team decision-making when important decisions need to be made which affect the family. A flow chart illustrates the process of assessing and understanding a family situation and planning a change process.
Family Team Conferences in Domestic Violence Cases: Guidelines for Practice (PDF - 397 KB)
Family Violence Prevention Fund (2003)
Information to help trained family team conference facilitators address domestic violence issues. Also offers background information and tips for other family team conference participants.
Mainstreaming Family Group Conferencing: Building and Sustaining Partnerships
Pennell (1999)
Suggests that the practice of family group conferencing in child welfare has moved away from the initial goal of joint problem solving and toward "systemic goals of maintaining control, meeting regulations, containing costs, and avoiding litigation." Recommends nine steps for building partnerships for initiating and sustaining family group conferencing.
National Center on Family Group Decision Making
American Humane
Resources on family group decision-making.
Pathways to Permanence
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (2000)
View Abstract
Video describing the general principles and procedures of three effective strategies (mediation, family group conferencing, and concurrent planning) used by courts to achieve goals for child safety and permanency.
Promoting the Participation Rights of Children and Young People in Family Group Conferences (PDF - 50 KB)
American Humane (2004)
Describes the use of independent advocates to promote the participatory practice of children and young people in the family group conference process in Wiltshire, England.
Putting Families Back into the Child Protection Partnership: Family Group Decision Making
American Humane
Includes principles, process, and summary of differences among the models.
Team Decision-Making Protocol/Policy Outline (PDF - 48 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2003)
Protocol for meetings that include birth parents and youth, to be held before all decisions involving child removal, change of placement, and reunification or other permanency plan.
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