Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)

The FGDM practice originated in New Zealand with the Maori people in 1989, designed for children and families in the child welfare system.  It is now used in several countries and states, not only for child welfare, but for juvenile justice, TANF, Behavioral Health, Aging and custody populations.  FGDM meetings facilitate a process for families to meet and join with relatives and their supports to develop a plan to ensure that children are safe, cared for and protected from harm in ways that fit their culture and situation. It extends the responsibility for child safety, well-being and permanence to families, communities and natural support systems.

This practice works because families are actively valued, the child welfare worker is no longer the problem finder and advice giver, communication is based on concerns, it invites listening, compassion and responsibility, invites people to pull together, shares responsibility for child safety and well being with others, and encourages collaboration between professionals working with the family.

The FGDM program has 288 cases complete the FGDM process over the course of this fiscal year July 2010 to Present.  Using the three month follow-up process 196 out of the 288 confrenceses completed had successful outcomes. 

Conference Purpose  Achiecvement Rate %
Reunification occurred 17%
Reunification by Next Court Date 21%
Kinship resource established 26%
Prevented Placement 11%
Family Supports were established 16%
PLC was put in place 9
Total 68%

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.FGDM