Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is a decision-making process that draws on the strength of the family unit to develop a plan to address concerns of child safety, wellbeing, and overall development.
Family Group Decision Making at Family Services of NW PA invites families and others to come together when a situation occurs that threatens family unity. Services help engage families and find solutions for both immediate and long-term needs related to safety, well-being, and permanency.
A Family Group Decision Making conference is facilitated to aid families in working together to support and address family concerns. A conference can include anyone the family wants, including extended family, trusted friends, community members, other supports, and service providers. A typical conference lasts between 2-3 hours.
A Family Group Decision Making Coordinator assists the family in understanding the purpose of the conference, developing an invitation list, and selecting a conference site. The coordinator also facilitates the conference, but the family develops the plan.
Preparing for a Conference:
To prepare for a conference, the Family Group Decision Making Coordinator will:
- Explain the process
- Help to identify the people to involve
- Invite the individuals to the conference
- Arrange a neutral site for the conference
What Happens at the Family Group Decision Making Conference?
- Information Sharing: The participants discuss the family's strengths and concerns.
- Family Private Time: The family meets in private to deliberate, review relevant information and create a plan. The family shares a meal while meeting.
- Plan Preservation and Acceptance: The family and participants come together again to present and review the family plan.
- Action: The family plan is put into action.
Why Family Group Decision Making Works:
- Family members make the decisions
- Creates more stable living situations
- Strengthens relationships between families and service providers
- Creates a better future for children, families, and the community
Referrals:
Family Group Decision Making is available to families with children ages 0-18 who are transitioning from intake to ongoing services, any client that is open with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth or Mercer County Children and Youth Services, and those who are under court order.
Referrals must be made by:
- Erie County Office of Children and Youth (OCY)
- Erie County Juvenile Probation Office (JPO)
- Mercer County Children and Youth Services (CYS)
