An FGC is family-led. It is an opportunity for your family, including your extended family and significant/close friends to come together to discuss and agree on what you feel needs to happen to support the changes that are needed in your children’s life.
You will discuss and plan what you want to achieve and how you wish to go about achieving this e.g. what information is required, what resources or services are required.
When or in what circumstances will it be offered?
Examples:
- Pre-proceedings prior to consideration of court involvement.
- At the point of a pre-birth assessment starting.
- Where your family are already involved in court processes.
- Where there are child protection concerns, and it is felt your family would benefit from using services to support the required changes.
- At the point of child in need to prevent further escalation or support a step-down to early help.
What is the process?
The Local Authority i.e. a social worker agrees with you and the children to request a FGC/ make the referral.
Your family will sign to consent to share information for the meeting with others invited to the meeting. You will agree an agenda to be shared.
The FGC coordinator will get in touch with you and will help to prepare for it. They will also speak with any service providers to prepare them too.
During the preparation stages of the process, it is important that you and your family can build trust and a sincere relationship with the FGC.
You have control over the practical arrangements. It can involve anything you consider important to you and your family e.g. to do with your cultural/ethnic identity/religion for example.
What can I expect?
The focus is on planning for the future, with no ‘blame’ about the past.
Examples:
- Exploring the wider family and friends’ network to ensure all the potential strengths of the family are known.
- Improving communication between family members for the benefit of your children.
- Sharing accountability for the care and safety needs of children with the wider family group.
- Issues of conflict between the adults where your children are significantly affected.
Is it obligatory?
It is an opt in service. It is up to you and your family to accept the offer and engage in the process. The process can be stopped at any time.
In what circumstances would it not work?
You may have a lack of trust in your own family, professionals or the effectiveness of the FGC itself. However, it is important to know that a FGC may make a difference to your situation.
It may improve things for your children. You need to therefore be open to the process and willing to make the effort to make it work for you and your family.
For further information on anything mentioned in this article, please contact Stephanie McAulay on 01392 260145 or email stephaniemcaulay@wbw.co.uk.
WBW Solicitors has offices in Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Launceston, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Seaton, Sidmouth, and Torquay.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
