1. Family Group Decision Making A Partnership Approach

2. FGDM Presentation Overview History Principals/Philosophy General Model of FGDM Research Alternate Models St. Louis County Partner Options

3. FGDM History Child Young Persons & Families Act, New Zealand, 1989 Adaptations of New Zealand Model Minnesota Law allowed the use of FGDM, 1997

4. Guiding Principals for Child Welfare Children must be safe from harm Children must have a sense of a permanent home Children must have their physical, mental and educational needs met

5. Guiding Principals for Child Welfare Families, communities and the government must work together to ensure child safety, permanency & well being Families are primarily responsible for their children. Children should be with their family whenever possible

6. FGDM Philosophy Family Centered  Families have the most knowledge about themselves  Families offer a sense of security and belonging to their members  Family ties need to be supported even when concerns are present

7. FGDM Philosophy FGDM is responsive to Family Culture  Family traditions, values, history, religion and heritage are explored with the coordinator.  Cultural practices can be integrated in meetings  Families can involve community members who support their culture.  Conference location can be culturally responsive

8. FGDM Philosophy Families have strengths that can be used to develop safety plans for children  Families can be responsible for their members  Families can develop and participate in safety plans  Families want success for their members

9. FGDM Philosophy FGDM develops and fosters cooperation among community, government and families  Families are encouraged to involve community providers they believe are helpful  Families identify who they believe are important to participate in conferences  Government and Community providers collaborate with Family & Kin for safety

10. General Models of FGDM FGDM is an Umbrella Term  Conferences generally involve: Preparation Time The Meeting and Family Plan Follow Up

11. FGDM Preparation Key To Successful Conferences Average Prep Time 30 Hours Informed Consent From Family Relationship Established

12. FGDM Preparation Purpose and Process Discussed Learn About Family Culture Explore Safety concerns Neutrality of Facilitator

13. FGDM Meetings Opening/Introductions Rules For Meetings Strengths & Concerns Bottom Lines For Safety Cultural Considerations

14. FGDM Meetings Food and Beverages Family Alone Time  Develop the Plan  Facilitator is Accessible Presentation of the Family Plan Follow Up Meeting Possible Evaluation

15. Research: Emerging Themes Challenges in implementation Need for greater family involvement  Family voice is not heard in the implementation process  Only a small number of families are given access to FGDM Importance of the Facilitator/Coordinator

16. Research: Emerging Themes FGDM remains a under-utilized practice Family plans developed through the FGDM process are safe and overwhelmingly accepted by the court FGDM improves the communication between service providers and family members

17. Research: Emerging Themes Family group conferences increase involvement of fathers Family members are satisfied with their influence on the decision making process Family Group Decision Making appears to provide cost savings

18. Research: Minnesota 2000 state-wide evaluation of FGDM  Examination of: Program implementation Participant satisfaction Post-conference outcomes Cost

19. Research: Minnesota 2004-2005 State-Wide Study  Conducted by Olmsted County  Evaluated: Demographics of participants Types of FGDM models Satisfaction Outcomes  Safety  Permanency  Well-Being

20. Alternative Models Emancipation Conferences Talking Circles Restorative Justice Conferences Education Conferences Elder Care Conferences Domestic Violence

21. St. Louis County Grant Partnership Options 50% Reunification/Permanency  Children in placement  Most placements will be Court ordered  Permanency options include: TOC, LTFC, Adoption  Parallel Protection Process

22. SLC Grant Partnership Options 50 % Support  Youth in transition  Domestic Violence  Family safety planning  Alternative response family plans  Early intervention plans

23. Grant Partner Plans Fond du Lac Bois Forte Carlton County St. Louis County

24. Partnership Support Advisory committee Partnership practitioner meetings Consultation with experienced grantees Internal supervision/support American Humane Society resources

25. Data Collection Quarterly report to DHS Data collected on each conference Compilation of State data re: Safety, Permanency and Well Being Monthly DHS Core meetings Quarterly FGDM Practitioner meetings

26. FGDM Summary Promising/developing practice Cooperative partnership with families More conducive to reaching plans for safety, permanency and well being Community involvement and ownership