Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Program/Intervention Name
Category
Family Support and Placement Stabilization Programs
Program/Intervention Description
What: 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. 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. How: 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 are not conflict-resolution approaches, therapeutic interventions or forums for ratifying professionally crafted decisions. Rather, 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.
Intervention Target Population Identified (Age Group)
>17, Parent/Adult, 0-5, 6-12, 13-17
Program Goals/Outcomes
Position family groups to lead decision-making processes with the support and resources of public agencies
QIC Target Group
General - 3
QIC Adoption/Guardianship Relevance Levels
Intervention is being evaluated in a project site
LEVEL 5: Other Human Services
QIC level of Evidence
LEVEL 4: Promising Practice
Intervention Web Site/URL
Contact Person/Purveyor
Agency/Affiliation
Contact Email
Contact Phone
External Links (Registry/Other Catalog)
- California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse: www.cebc4cw.org/program/family-group-decision-making/detailed