6 Crucial Conversations for people that do Family Group Conference
Kar-Man Au and Tim Fisher
1. We should be talking about Transformation
Family Group Conferences (FGCs) had a profound impact on my life. FGCs are often seen as a tool to resolve issues within families and networks, but from my perspective, they are more than just a means to an end. They are a pathway to transformation.
When I first encountered the concept of FGCs, I, like many others, thought of it as just another method to sort out a person's issues. Little did I know that it would be a transformative process that would change not only my family/network dynamics but also how I viewed myself and my role within my family and community.
FGCs are not merely about addressing problems; they fundamentally alter how we perceive and interact with those problems. Through open and honest dialogue, FGCs encourage families and networks to explore the roots of their issues, consider alternative perspectives, and ultimately transform their relationships.
Kar-Man
2. Let's open a conversation about The Future
FGCs track record on close-at-hand decision-making for child protection services has been supported by the recent Foundations' research.
https://foundations.org.uk/our-work/reports/family-group-conferencing/
Yet, the deeper potentials of FGC for planning preferred futures, have only recently begun to be realised. The National Lifelong Links initiative
https://frg.org.uk/lifelong-links/
shows how the FGC process can be utilised by young people as a more holistic forum. Here, the emphasis isn't just on immediate needs but on envisioning preferred futures with identity and Lifelong relationships the focus. Camden's commitment to FGC paints an optimistic picture for its broader, long-term impact. A heartening observation here is that post-FGC, participants feel empowered. Six months after their FGC sessions, a majority (8 in 10) felt a heightened sense of control over their lives, better equipped to handle challenges.
Tim
3. It's crucial for us to discuss Resilience
What makes FGCs remarkable is that the skills and mindset cultivated during the process can extend beyond the family setting. The principles of open communication, empathy, active listening, and collaboration are invaluable tools we can apply to our daily lives.
I recently read about Malmberg-Heimonen's 2011 study which found significant improvements in life satisfaction and notable reductions in mental distress for people that used FGC to problem solve with their community.
The lessons I learned from FGCs have profoundly impacted how I approach challenges outside of family dynamics. Whether in the workplace, community involvement, or personal relationships, the FGC model has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex situations with a positive attitude and a commitment to positive change.
I became a peer parent advocate !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lXxPPKNJ5o&t=4s
Kar-Man
4. It's high time we addressed the Lifecourse
The idea of exploring Family Group Conferencing across the life course is intriguing. The evidence from the London Borough of Camden speaks volumes. In a span of seven short years, Camden has made remarkable progress, escalating from 100 FGCs per annum, predominantly towards families involved with child protection services, to a whopping 300 a year. This growth means an offer across the lifecourse to children & adults from diverse age brackets and life situations. https://www.relationalactivism.com/adult-family-group-conference
A study conducted by McBride in 2018 sheds light on this: a significant 79% of families who were introduced to FGCs early remained free of further interventions a year after their FGC.
https://www.eif.org.uk/resource/family-group-conferencing-camden
Tim
5. We ought to bring up Connection
One of the most significant challenges individuals often face when dealing with social service interventions is the feeling of powerlessness and shame. In situations where intervention is necessary, it's easy to find oneself in passive obedience, with little control over the process or the outcomes.
FGCs have the ability to empower individuals and families. They create a space where everyone involved is encouraged to voice their concerns, hopes, and aspirations. This shift from a passive role to an active participant is pivotal in regaining lost agency. In my experience, this transformation of power dynamics allowed me to shed the shame I once felt and stand tall as an equal partner in finding solutions.
I felt that I was no longer a nobody, that there were people who cared and would love to give a helping hand.
Kar-Man
6. We should be having a conversation about Neighbourhood and Culture
The beauty of Family Group Conferencing (FGC) lies not just in its ability to support families but also in its embodiment of participatory democracy. As Lisa Merkel-Holguin highlights, FGC is where families find their voice, shaping their lives through empowered decision-making. Camden offers a compelling testament to this with its growing self-referral FGCs that are “claimed by the community.” Through their Family Advisory Board, community members don't just voice their opinions but evolve into trained advocates and FGC Coordinators. Lisa Merkel-Holguin's assertion that community involvement is crucial for both sustainability and rooting FGC as a community-based practice is evident in Camden's proactive approach.
Cultural competence in FGC is more than just a theoretical ideal; it's an essential component for success. By recognizing both the small and big "C" culture, FGC acknowledges the rich tapestry of family culture, from the origins with the Maori families of New Zealand to the inclusion of cultural elements such as food. Such a culturally attuned process not only fosters a sense of belonging but ensures families feel truly understood. Camden's commitment shines again here, with independent FGC coordinators reflecting the borough's diversity, and making connections with the Camden residents' cultural identities.
Tim
My final word is this
Family Group Conferences are not just a means to resolve family issues; they are a process of transformation. They offer individuals and families the opportunity to reclaim their power and agency, overcome shame, and approach problems with newfound confidence. Moreover, the skills acquired through FGCs can be applied to various aspects of life, making it a model for family empowerment, personal growth, and community development. My journey with FGCs has been nothing short of transformative, and this process has the potential to empower countless others on their unique paths to positive change.
Kar-Man
