FGC
FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCING
Being in control of one's own life
There are times when people have a hard time to cope. Some events in daily life have so much impact, are so complicated, or overwhelming, that help is welcome. How can this help be obtained, and how do you remain in control of your life? The vision on which Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is based, offers a direction.
In this vision, individual problems of citizens are not transferred to (care) organizations and governmental bodies, but remain the responsibility of citizens. Together with people they know well - their own network of family and friends - they construe a plan to reach a solution. In a formal Family Group Conference this process is facilitated by an independent coordinator, who does not benefit from the contents of the plan.
APPLYING FGC
Several contexts and varieties
A FGC may be applied in several contexts and varieties, like:
- Improving the conditions of life of an individual - child, adolescent, adult, elderly person - or family.
- Restoring relations between perpetrators and victims. To lessen the damage following a misdemeanor or crime, to prevent isolation or marginalization of the perpetrator, and to reduce the chance of recurrence.
- Solving friction, tension or conflicts in a neighborhood, district, school or organization.
- Improving the functioning of an individual pupil in primary or secondary schools. This may concern truancy, or dropping out of school, dyslexia, having a special talent, or making a dream come true (like: how may educational obligations be combined with an international career in sports?).
BRIDGING TWO WORLDS
Effective and cost saving
Hundreds of researches and studies in Europe prove that FGC is effective, in various situations and diverse cultures. Most plans are actually executed, with the result that problems get solved and escalation is prevented. In many cases, working from this vision is also cost saving. People who were regarded as a problem are now providing solutions that make them less dependable on institutions. Family Group Conference bridges the life world of citizens and the system world of (care) organizations and government.
LEGAL MANDATE
When official intervention is imminent
In New-Zealand, where FGC originated, the right on FGC was incorporated in the law in 1989. It is standard procedure there that people have the initial right to provide a solution in case of troubles. Ireland, Canada and several states in Australia and the U.S.A. have a legal mandate as well.
The Netherlands have reached an important mile stone in March 2011: the Tweede Kamer (the Dutch Parliament) has accepted a law proposal that affirms the right of citizens that, in case of imminent governmental intervention, they may make their own plan, together with their own network of family and friends. In other European countries, similar developments take place.
More information?
Film Paul Nixon (11 min)
Paul Nixon, Chief Social Worker New Zealand, speaks at a conference in Zwolle in 2010 on origin, meaning and success factors of FGC.
Film ‘Dilemma for social care workers' (9 min)
Theatre group De Lichte Kwelling showed what challenges are faced by social care workers when the plan of a client becomes the starting point for social care.