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

Family Group Conferencing in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, family group conferencing is known as eigen kracht, which translates to “own strengths” or “own capabilities.” Eigen kracht conferences employ everyday citizens -- not child welfare professionals -- as independent conference coordinators.

• Read the newly translated report, It’s the Family’s Move.
• Read what the research says about the results and profits of eigen kracht conferences.
• Read .American Humane’s issue brief on eigen kracht conferencing.

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New FGDM Guidelines

American Humane, in partnership with the FGDM Guidelines Committee, has released a landmark publication, Guidelines for Family Group Decision Making in Child Welfare. It is our sincere hope that these guidelines will not only facilitate greater understanding of FGDM, but will also promote solid practice in the U.S. and abroad.

Download the FGDM Guidelines.

‘Restorative Group Conferencing for Dual-Jurisdiction Youths’ -- free download

Download this article from Protecting Children (Vol. 24, No. 4, 2009): Responding Restoratively to Vulnerable Victims, Youths, and Families.

This entire issue of Protecting Children explores the growing field of restorative justice. Articles provide research findings and case studies documenting how restorative justice is being implemented and the promising results it has yielded for victims, youths, families and communities.

American Humane professional members receive Protecting Children as part of their membership benefits. If you're not a member become a member today!

For the Common Good: FGC in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, family group conferencing (FGC) is known as eigen kracht, which translates to “own strengths” or “own capabilities.” One unique aspect of eigen kracht conferences is that they employ everyday citizens—not child welfare professionals—as independent conference coordinators. According to Eigen Kracht Centrale Director Rob van Pagée, this aspect helps to foster citizenship and collective community benefits.

Read our new Issue Brief on Eigen Kracht Conferencing.

Blending Restorative Justice and Family Group Decision Making

Restorative justice and FGDM processes offer a humane way to address youth offending with accountability and care for all youths, including those who have experienced maltreatment. These processes position youths, families, victims, system professionals and other community stakeholders to create plans that protect the youths, address the core issues that precipitated the offense and hold the youths accountable for their behaviors.

Download the white paper.

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