Family Group Decision Making

Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) recognizes the importance of involving family groups in decision making about children who need protection or care, and it can be initiated by child welfare agencies whenever a critical decision about a child is required. In FGDM processes, a trained coordinator who is independent of the case brings together the family group and the agency personnel to create and carry out a plan to safeguard children and other family members. FGDM processes position the family group to lead decision making, and the statutory authorities agree to support family group plans that adequately address agency concerns. The statutory authorities also organize service providers from governmental and non-governmental agencies to access resources for implementing the plans. FGDM processes are not conflict-resolution approaches, therapeutic interventions or forums for ratifying professionally crafted decisions. Rather, FGDM processes actively seek the collaboration and leadership of family groups in crafting and implementing plans that support the safety, permanency and well-being of their children.

What's New

Dads and Paternal Relatives: Expanding the Family Network

The involvement of fathers is undeniably important to children’s well-being and development. Family group decision making (FGDM) processes can help engage fathers, paternal kin and male relatives in case planning and thus benefit children and families by enhancing supportive connections in their lives.
 
Read our new Issue Brief on father involvement and engagement.

Save the Date and Call for Presentations for the 2010 Family Group Decision Making and Other Family Engagement Approaches Conference

A Compilation of State and Provincial Laws, Policies, Rules and Regulations on Family Group Decision Making and Other Family Engagement Approaches in Child Welfare Decision Making

Visit our new training page