Family Conferencing Overview

Level: Advanced Practice—Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: New and current child welfare personnel who want information on Family Group Decision-Making

Intended Objectives:

• To familiarize participants with the Family Group Decision-Making model.
• To share San Diego’s experience implementing this model.
• To identify the benefits and challenges of incorporating this model within a child welfare services setting.

Topics Include:

• History of Family Group Decision-Making
• History in Children’s Services in San Diego
• Benefits/Strengths to Family and other participants, staff and providers
• Challenges/Concerns
• Options for Use
• Decisions/ Agreement/ Plan

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

2.2 Student is able to assess the interaction of individual, family, and environmental factors which contribute to abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse, and identifies strengths which will preserve the family and protect the child.

2.19 Student works collaboratively with foster families and kin networks, involving them in assessment and planning and supporting them in coping with special stresses and difficulties.

3.3 Student demonstrates the ability to evaluate and incorporate information from others, including family members and professionals in assessment, treatment planning, and service delivery.

3.12 Student engages families in problem solving strategies and assists them with incorporating these strategies.

3.15 Student understands theory of group process and can develop, and implement small groups.