Family group decision-making is a generic term that includes a number of approaches in which family members are brought together to make decisions about how to care for their children and develop a plan for services. Different names used for this type of intervention include family team conferencing, family team meetings, family group conferencing, family team decision-making, family unity meetings, and team decision-making. Approaches differ in various aspects, but most consist of several phases and employ a trained facilitator or coordinator.
An Evaluation of Family Group Decision Making with Native American Families Toolkit (PDF - 730 KB)
Casey Family Programs (2011)
Provides a toolkit that contains surveys and guides to help communities that are interested in conducting their own evaluations of family group decision-making meetings.
Expanding the Family Circle
University at Albany School of Social Welfare (2009)
Provides a framework for the experienced caseworker to integrate a culturally competent, family-centered approach to casework practice with all families engaged in child welfare services. The website includes a curriculum (skills and strategies), activities, a trainer's manual, and a participant workbook.
Family Group Decision Making: A Solution to Racial Disproportionality and Disparities in Child Welfare (PDF - 537 KB)
National Center on Family Group Decision Making (2010)
Discusses the role of family group decision-making in a synthesized international research project and how it can help reduce racial disparities in child welfare systems and improve outcomes for children and families of color.
Guidelines for Family Group Decision Making in Child Welfare (PDF - 1,034 KB)
National Center on Family Group Decision Making (2010)
Describes the family group decision-making process and its components and addresses family referrals, roles, and responsibilities of different professionals; following-up after meetings; and administrative support.
Practice, Policy, and Implementation: An International Annotated Bibliography of Family Engagement Strategies in Child Welfare
American Humane Association
Summarizes 53 references on family engagement and decision-making in the child welfare system and provides information about the family engagement process, strategies, and outcomes for children.
Using Family Group Conferencing to Assist Immigrant Children and Families in the Child Welfare System (PDF - 199 KB)
Howard & Bruce (2008)
National Center on Family Group Decision Making
Highlights the key factors to consider when using family group counseling as an approach with children whose families traverse national borders, including cultural and financial considerations.