OPEN Event Reflection: Family Group Conferencing in Practice – Evidence, Learning and Opportunities to Strengthen Family Voice

Family-led decision making is at the heart of strong outcomes for children and families. Family Group Conferencing (FGC) provides a structured way for families to lead planning and decision-making for their children’s safety and wellbeing.

In this session, Dr Mandy Charman welcomed three speakers from Uniting Vic. Tas who shared perspectives from a community service organisation into the implementation of FGC as a family-led, strength-based decision-making model within the Victorian service context.

Why FGC matters right now

Rabia explained that Family Group Conferencing originated in New Zealand in the 1980s as a culturally grounded response and has since been adopted in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK, with increasing integration into child and family welfare systems.

Panelists highlighted that FGC is a family-led, strength-based model that centres decision-making power with families, elevates the voice of children, and promotes culturally responsive engagement, aiming to build trust and communication among all family members.

FGCs have been identified as an important component of Restoring Families.

While care teams are typically chaired by professionals and focus on service responses, FGCs are facilitated by independent conveners and prioritise family-driven planning. The process of an FGC is as important as the outcome. Ultimately, success depends on skilled facilitation, inclusive and safe processes, genuine engagement of the extended family network, and ensuring children’s voices are central to planning and decision-making.

International and interstate evidence

International studies show moderate strength evidence of positive outcomes in family participation, ownership of plans, and satisfaction in the decision-making process. When we have neutral, skilled facilitation; strong preparation with families; genuine involvement of extended kin, and meaningful private family time, we see best safety and permanency outcomes.

An Australian study by the University of Sydney used linked child protection data which found that FGC participation is associated with lowered ROSH (Risk of Significant Harm) substantiations, and a positive benefit-cost ratio of 7:1.

Internal evaluation data

Data from Uniting Vic. Tas aligns with these broader findings, with internal surveys showing that families reporting increased confidence in decision-making, better understanding of children’s needs, and improved relationships, with 63% noting children felt more heard and included, and half of families reported increased confidence.

• Program Satisfaction and Impact was remarkably high: Every respondent rated ten out of ten, giving a net promoter score of 100 for participants recommending the program; 88 per cent of families felt the program made a positive difference.
• Qualitative Outcomes: Families described easier and more constructive communication, greater ability to engage with child protection as equals, and a sense of empowerment and support, especially in complex or blended family situations. Qualitative data also indicates that FGCs increased the likelihood of sustainable, family-owned solutions.

Implementation challenges

Mia and Xanthe discussed the challenges faced in implementing and scaling the FGC program:

• Referral pathways and timing: Early challenges included inconsistent referral criteria and timing, leading to inappropriate referrals; the program now emphasises early intervention and clearer criteria to ensure FGC suitability.
• Workforce capacity: High practitioner caseloads and turnover affected FGC delivery, prompting investment in specialist training, supervision, and communities of practice to ensure skilled, neutral facilitation and proper follow-up.
• Cases not progressing from initial secondary consults to FGC: Common barriers included family disengagement, practitioner workload, high-risk situations, and logistical challenges.

Program adaptations

• Program Enablers and Tools: Key enablers included experienced facilitators, family and network readiness, practitioner investment, strong partnerships, and the development of tools to capture children’s voices and support culturally safe practice.
• Program Changes and Continuous Improvement: Enhanced data collection practices allowed greater insights to the team, showing that preparation and follow up are almost as important as the conferencing itself. Adaptations included refined referral and screening processes, enhanced facilitator training, structured pre-conference preparation, and a shift toward place-based skill building for all practitioners.

Where to from here

Facilitator Training and Capacity Building: Accredited and unaccredited training options are available through the Australian Family Group Conferencing organisation, with Uniting Vic Tas also developing internal training packages to build workforce capacity and embed FGC principles across multiple sites.

Internal and Sector Collaboration: Rabia invited other organisations to collaborate on expanding FGC access, sharing knowledge, and participating in research and evaluation, with a focus on consumer-centred feedback to drive program improvement.

Summary of Q&A

Managing complex cases: Xanthe explained working closely with practitioners and wrap-around services, maintaining focus on FGCs scope, and ensuring that complex needs are addressed through appropriate channels.

Organisational support for facilitators: Xanthe described having access to direct supervision, management support, training, and reflective practice spaces, as well as collaboration with family services and FPR teams for case discussions.

Feedback collection process: Mia and Xanthe outlined the use of pre- and post-FGC surveys, including a comprehensive outcomes survey based on Swinburne University’s tool, administered at multiple intervals to assess both immediate and sustained impacts.

Criteria for family suitability: Xanthe detailed the informal and formal assessment processes for determining FGC suitability, focusing on family dynamics, readiness for change, ability to collaborate, and legal parameters, with practitioners playing a key role in initial assessment.

About the speakers: