Family Group Conferencing is a family driven problem solving process which gathers family members and other natural supports as a way for people to develop action plans to achieve safety and permanency for the child and their family.

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A neutral, specially-trained Family Group Conferencing Facilitator helps guide the process. However, other professionals are included as informational resources for the family.

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A successful Family Group Conference is built on:

• A strength based approach, teamwork.

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• Participation from everyone involved.

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• Safety planning.​

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• Active family involvement.

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• Linkage to supports and services.

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• Achieving a consensus

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• Skillful, trained facilitation

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Goals of Family Group Conferencing​

• To assist families in crisis by helping them create a plan  that provides safety and permanency for the children involved.

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• ​To identify/locate natural resources and supports for families in crisis so that they can play a role in supporting the family.

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• ​To address potential placement issues. This could include assisting with transitions into and out of placement, making decisions about the change of placements, and even preventing placement.

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How does the referral process work?​

A variety of advocates for children and families can contact Erie or Niagara County DSS and ask for a referral to Family Group Conferencing, including:

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• Family Court Judges and Referees

• Attorneys for Children and Respondents

• Service Providers

• Child Protective Services (CPS) Workers

• Residential Staff

• Foster Care Staff

• Teachers

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