Family Group Conferences aim to bring a person(s) support network together to enable them to proactively develop a safe and sustainable plan of action in response to a challenging situation and a concern over a person(s) wellbeing. This tool in family cohesion and problem-solving has been successfully implemented worldwide, and predominately utilised within the children’s welfare sector for those at the edge of care – although it is not exclusive to this specific area.

The main principles of this approach rely on being voluntary, family-led, and in amplifying the voice of the person(s) at the centre of the issue. The process involves aligning and agreeing on the ongoing situation, its risks, and the needs around resolution, engaging with a person(s) wider support network, and bringing them together. During the Family Group Conference itself, the support network can discuss, engage, and importantly, listen to each other and devise a safe, sustainable and secure plan that is approved by the professionals working alongside the family. A plan is created, and a person responsible for monitoring its progress is @jessicaclasby-monk@daybreakfgc.org.uk nominated. Often, a review meeting is held to reengage the network and address any concerns. The entire process can take approximately 6-8 weeks, involving 25-30 hours work from an Independent Coordinator, and often involves an Advocate to support those who need it. What is special about a Family Group Conference is that the plan is made by the family, not the professionals. They therefore ‘own’ it and have much greater commitment to it.

Currently, Daybreak is working alongside five Local Authorities to deliver this service, specifically for children at the edge of care. However, the needs of the families being referred into the service sadly do not meet the available funding and therefore Daybreak is investing additional funds to manage this service; which is unsustainable. To ensure that families maintain access to effective support through a Family Group Conference service, enabling children and young people to access safe and secure upbringings, we are appealing for additional funds to help bridge the gap.

Additional funding could support:

• The role of an advocate to ensure that everyone gets the support they need to have their voice heard

• The role of translators for those who need it, to ensure that they are understood and that they understand

• Venue and transportation costs associated with delivering the Family Group Conference, and its preparation

• Food, refreshments and light entertainment (for younger children attending with parents) for those attending the Conference, which often is a long process lasting 2-4 hours at a time

• The costs of review meetings, which are often outside the remits of Local Authority funding, but critical to the effectiveness of the plans devised

Thank you for support #Thrive