What is Family Group Decision Making?
Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is a service that helps families come together to make plans for their children.
When families are going through a difficult time, it can be hard to know where to find support. FGDM brings together the people who know and care about your child, including family members, friends, and other important people in your life, to help find solutions and make a plan for the future.
The focus is always on your child's safety, wellbeing, and happiness.
FGDM gives families the chance to:
- talk about concerns and challenges
- identify the support already available around them
- make plans together as a family
- find ways to help children stay safely within their family network wherever possible
- have a greater say in decisions that affect them
The process is led by you and your family, with support from a trained FGDM Worker.
Why has FGDM been suggested for my family?
Your Family Help Worker or Social Worker may suggest FGDM because they believe bringing together the people who care about your child could help find solutions and provide support.
FGDM can be used at any stage of a family's involvement with Children's Services, including:
- Family Help
- Child in Need
- Child Protection
- Pre-Proceedings
- Children in Care Planning
- Special Guardianship Support
- Kinship Care Support
Many families already have people around them who want to help. Sometimes FGDM helps identify support that has not yet been explored.
This support might include:
Practical support
- childcare
- school runs
- transport
- help with daily routines
Emotional support
- someone to talk to
- encouragement and guidance
- help during difficult times
- maintaining important family relationships
By bringing everyone together, families can create a plan that works for them and their children.
What happens if I agree to FGDM?
Step 1: Your referral
If you agree to take part, your Family Help Worker or Social Worker will make a referral to the FGDM Service.
A FGDM Worker will be allocated within 48 hours and will contact you to introduce themselves and arrange a first meeting.
Before this meeting, it may be helpful to think about:
- who is important in your life?
- who your child feels close to?
- who could offer support to you or your child?
This could include family members, friends, neighbours, community groups, or other trusted adults.
Step 2: Your first meeting
Your FGDM Worker will arrange a meeting at a time and place that works best for you.
Meetings can take place:
- at your home
- in a community venue
- at another agreed location
Evening and weekend appointments may also be available where needed.
During the meeting, your FGDM Worker will:
- explain how FGDM works
- talk through the reason for the referral
- answer any questions you may have
- help you think about who could be involved
We understand that relationships can sometimes be complicated. Your FGDM Worker will support you to think about who may be able to help and can speak with family members or friends on your behalf if needed.
FGDM is a supportive and non-judgemental process, and you remain in control of who is invited.
Step 3: Preparing for the family meeting
After your first meeting, your FGDM Worker will contact the people you have identified to explain the process and discuss how they may be able to support you and your child.
During this time, your FGDM Worker will stay in touch with you and may also tell you about local services, activities, and support available in your community.
Where appropriate, we will also gather your child's views, wishes, and feelings so they can be included in the planning process.
Advocacy can be arranged for children, young people, or adults who need extra support to make sure their voice is heard.
What happens at the family meeting?
Your Family Meeting can take place somewhere that feels comfortable and convenient for you, such as:
- your home
- a family member's home
- a community venue
Children are encouraged to be involved where appropriate so that their views and feelings can be heard.
The meeting usually follows these steps:
1. Information sharing
The Family Help Worker, Social Worker, or other lead professional explains:
- what the worries or concerns are
- what needs to change
- any questions the family may have
2. Private family time
This is an important part of FGDM.
Professionals leave the room, giving you and your family time to talk together privately and agree a plan.
During this time, families can discuss:
- what support is available
- who can help
- what changes need to happen
- how everyone can work together
3. Sharing the family plan
Once your family has agreed a plan, it is shared with the lead professional.
The professional will check that the plan addresses the concerns that were discussed and supports your child's safety and wellbeing.
4. Agreeing the plan
Everyone discusses the plan and makes sure it is clear, realistic, and achievable.
5. Putting the plan into action
The family begins carrying out the agreed actions and support.
6. Reviewing progress
The plan will be reviewed through existing meetings and plans already in place for your child and family.
What happens after the family meeting?
After the meeting, the family plan belongs to you and your family.
Everyone who has agreed to help will work together to put the plan into action.
The plan will continue to be reviewed to make sure it is working well and providing the right support for your child.
If circumstances change, the plan can be updated so that it continues to meet your family's needs.
The aim is to help families build on their own strengths and work together to provide the best possible support for their children.
Need more information?
If you would like to know more about FGDM, please speak to your Family Help Worker, Social Worker, or FGDM Worker, who will be happy to answer your questions.