“I am embarrassed.”

“I don’t want my family to know.”

“I am scared what my family will say.”

These are phrases commonly heard by professionals working within the family courts, particularly in care proceedings.

At such a critical time, it’s easy to feel that decisions are being made about families, rather than with them. This is where a Family Group Conference (FGC) can make a real difference.

What is a family group conference?

A FGC is a structured meeting that brings together parents, carers, extended family members and sometimes close family friends. The aim is simple but powerful: to enable families to come together and create their own plan to keep a child safe and supported.

We often hear the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child.” In many cases, that village is already there – it just needs the opportunity to come together.

When are FGCs used?

FGCs are often arranged during Public Law Outline (PLO) proceedings, when there are concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. At this stage, there is a real opportunity to make changes and avoid matters progressing further.

An independent FGC coordinator, who is separate from the social work team, organises and facilitates the process. They bring together the family and close family friends to look at what the worries are or the risks to the child and construct a plan together that ensures the child’s safety.

The independence of the coordinator is key. It creates a safe space where everyone can speak openly and honestly, without feeling judged or directed.

How does it work?

During the conference, a number of steps are taken, including:

• Professionals clearly outline the concerns and the “bottom lines” of what must change to ensure the child’s safety.
• The family is then given private time to talk, reflect and agree on a plan together
• The focus is on practical, realistic solutions that the family themselves believe will work

These plans can include simple but meaningful support, such as:

• Family members offering regular childcare to give parents a break
• Support with attending important appointments
• Identifying trusted people a parent can call on for advice or help

Why do FGCs work?

When families are trusted to make their own plans, they are far more likely to follow through. There is a shared sense of responsibility, clarity and commitment.

Importantly, once a parent or carer feels able to open up, even about issues they may find embarrassing, the response from family and friends is often one of support, not judgement. People step forward. They want to help.

The impact

Family group conferences can:

• Strengthen family relationships
• Build sustainable support networks
• Empower parents and carers
• Reduce the need for court intervention

In many cases, they can even prevent care proceedings from being issued altogether.

How Switalskis can help

An FGC is more than just a meeting, it’s an opportunity for families to be heard. Families can take ownership and work together to create a safer, stronger future for their children.

At Switalskis, our specialist child care law team understands how overwhelming care proceedings and PLO processes can feel. We work closely with parents and carers to provide clear, practical advice, helping you understand your options and supporting you at every stage.

If you would like to learn more about family group conferences, or how our team can support you, please get in touch. You can call us on 0800 1380458 or contact our team using the form below.