About FGDM

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 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.

25+ Year Commitment to Family Group Leadership

We are committed to standing up these 8 principles in practice with families:

Children have a right to maintain their kinship and cultural connections throughout their lives.
Children and their parents belong to a wider family system that both nurtures them and is responsible for them.
The family group, rather than the agency, is the context for child welfare and child protection resolutions.
All families are entitled to the respect of the state, and the state needs to make an extra effort to convey respect to those who are poor, socially excluded, marginalized, or lacking power or access to resources and services.

The state has a responsibility to recognize, support and build the family group’s capacity to protect and care for their young relatives.
Family groups know their own histories, and they use that information to construct thorough plans.
Active family group participation and leadership is essential for good outcomes for children, but power imbalances between family groups and child protection agency personnel must first be addressed.
The state has a responsibility to defend family groups from unnecessary intrusion and to promote their growth and strength.

Resources

Please view the following PDF resources for more information on Family Group Decision Making:

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