1. FAMILY WELFARE CONFERENCE SERVICE LAOIS/OFFALY

2. AGENDA Introduction What is FWC Key Principles Background Roles in FWC
Referrals
Stages of the Process
Recap
Q&A

3. WHAT IS A FWC ? A child focused, family led decision making meeting.
It is a voluntary process
‘Family’ is determined broadly,
They have ‘Private Family Time’ to reach a plan to facilitate the safe care and protection of the child/ren in need
Key professionals are involved in information giving at the beginning of the Conference and agreeing (referrer) the plan at the end of the Conference
An independent co-ordinator facilitates the process

4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The child’s interests are paramount
The child’s voice must be heard
Generally children are best looked after within their families.
Given the right information and services, generally, the family instinctively know what is best for their child
Families are empowered to generate change
Working in partnership is beneficial for children
The Family Plan is agreed by Referrer, unless it places the child at risk of significant harm

5. WHERE ARE FWC HELD
Neutral venues chosen in consultation with the family
Community centres
Voluntary services
Hotel
Not in HSE offices or family home

6. BACKGROUND
Concept of FWC originated in New Zealand in the 1980’s and is grounded in the Maori culture
Based on family and collective community responsibility for care and protection of children
N.Z Gov had to broaden definition of the family in line with Maori traditions and culture
A process evolved which sought to hand power back to families and work in a more culturally sensitive way

7. BACKGROUND CONTD
It facilitated family decision making and became known as ‘family group conference’
So successful was the concept of family responsibility and partnership that it was written into NZ law in 1989
Following a visit to NZ in 1998 by the then minister of state Frank Fahey to explore the applicability of this process in Ireland an initial 1 yr project was under taken in the eastern region
FWC were written into Irish law in the Children Act 2001

8. Child Protection Conference FWConference
Professional led
Birth parents/main carers invited
Chaired by Child Care Manager
Convened where there is serious Child Protection Concerns
Only professionals centrally involved invited
Professionals draw up Child Protection Plan
Professionals out number family
Will proceed without families consent
FWConference
Voluntary
Family led
Involves birth and extended family
Chaired by an independent Co-ordinator
Can be convened for family support, alternative care, school difficulties as well as child protection concerns
Professionals with specific knowledge/expertise can be invited
Private family time to allow family to formulate a Plan
Generally family out number professionals
Will not proceed without family’s consent

9. ROLES IN FAMILY WELFARE CONFERENCING

10. CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Children are involved in the planning for the Conference and attend the FWC whenever possible.
Children may attend on a full or partial basis ( depending on their physical and emotional safety, their own expressed preference, their age cognitive ability and level of maturity)
The Co-ordinator, the child and key family members make the decision to how the children can best participate in the process.

11. FAMILY’S ROLE
The Family participate in the planning of the FWC and decide with the co-ord who should be invited, time and venue of meeting etc
Vulnerable family members are encouraged to have a support person at the meeting. (Advocate)
To ask questions of the information sharer if unclear about any aspect.
The family have Private Family Time at the Conference to consider the information shared and to formulate The Family Plan.

12. REFERRER’S ROLE
Introduce the process to the family and seek their consent for a referral
Assess the needs of the child/young person
Refer families to the service
Provide all relevant information in a clear, concise and jargon free manner and answer relevant questions the family may ask
Outline strengths and positives within the family
Identify the key resources/ supports available to the family
Responsible for monitoring the plan in conjunction with the family
Responsible for reviewing the plan with the family after a set length of time.
The bottom line

13. CO-ORDINATOR’S ROLE
Face to face meetings with child, family and significant others to explain the process and prepare them for the conference
Consult with the family about who should attend and ensure all relevant people are invited
Get the views of anyone unable to attend
Independent person not responsible for assessing the family or providing services.
Chairs the information stage of the FWC
Make travel and childcare arrangements for the family
Source and book a venue in consultation with the family
Record the family plan using the families language.
Remain objective

14. ADVOCATE’S ROLE Independent from other interests
To support child, young person, vulnerable adult in preparing
them for the conference by listening to their views, helping them to understand and make sense of their situation and the options available to them
To accurately reflect their views, wishes and feelings in order to help them express these at the conference
To act as a negotiator with the family, carers and professionals involved to make sure that their point of view will be listened to and respected
To speak for them if they do not wish to speak themselves.

15. WHO CAN REFER?
Social workers, child care worker/leaders, PHN’s, teachers, project staff, or any other professional concerned with the welfare of the child/ young person
A family can self refer
Joint referral- the professional and the family. This is the ideal method as it engages the family immediately in the process.

16. Referral Sources

17. CRITERIA FOR REFERRAL
Concern by a professional for the care, protection, welfare or placement of a child
Concern shared by some family members
Child not at immediate risk of life and limb
The family agree to participate in a FWC and are aware of the nature and purpose of the referral

19. STAGES IN THE FWC PROCESS
Enquiry Referral Four Way
Meeting
FAMILY CONFERENCE
1.Info sharing
2.Private family
time
3. Agreeing& recording the plan
PREPARATION
Meet & prepare
Everyone
Make arrangements
Negotiate/ mediate
Implementation Of
The
Plan
&
Review

20. INFORMATION SHARING
Professionals share any info & concerns about the family which is relevant. This done in a JARGON FREE MANNER. Referral report is used as the focus.
Outline agencies statutory duties & responsibilities
Bottom line decisions
Resources available
Professionals with specialist knowledge
Family ask Qs for clarification

21. Genogram MGU MGA MGM MGF PGM PGF BM BF PA PU PU MU Paternal Cousin
4yrs
9yrs

22. PRIVATE FAMILY TIME 3 KEY TASKS
Agree a plan that addresses the Referrer’s concerns
Agree a Contingency plan
Agree their part in monitoring & reviewing the plan
Professionals are excluded from this part
Co-ordinator is available to family if clarification is needed.

23. AGREEING AND RECORDING THE FAMILY PLAN
Family relays plan to all, Co-ordinator helps to clarify
Ensure all concern are addressed
Plan is written up using family’s language
Plan agreed unanimously
Resources clarified
Monitor plan & contingencies agreed
Review date agreed
Co-ordinator circulates plan to all attendees

24. RECAP A FWC is a child focused family led decision making meeting
The child’s voice must be heard
This a voluntary process and family must agree with the referral being made
Information should be presented in a JARGON FREE manner
The family have Private Time to formulate a plan for the care, welfare and protection of their child/ young person
Given the right information, in an environment that is respectful, caring and encouraging, families can make plans for the safe care of their children/ young people
There is a major role within the FWC Process for key professionals to share their knowledge and expertise with the family

25. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS