Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
FGDM is a rights-based, strength-based approach that empowers families to come up with a safe plan when decisions need to be made in relation to a child or young person.
Preparation
Family Coordinators spend 6 to 12 weeks working with children, young people, and their wider family network to prepare them for a family meeting.
Family meeting
Families have ‘private family time’ to create their own plan without professionals present. This plan is then agreed with those involved and signed by everyone including the social worker.
Review meetings
We offer a review meeting to see how things are going. This would normally be within a three-month period.
Who can FGDM support?
FGDM is here for children and young people who are:
- on the edge of care (including unborn babies)
- Looked After children who are away from home and where a permanence decision has not been made
- Young People who are Looked After and Accommodated, who are nearing 16 years and want to return home
How to refer
Social workers can refer families directly through our referral process.