Family Group Decision Making [FGDM]

A method of bringing family members together in a family-focused, culturally-sensitive approach to develop a safety, reunification or alternate permanency plan for children who are in foster care, who are at risk for entering foster care or who are already in care and in danger of aging out without a permanent resource. FGDM involves meeting with immediate and extended family members and any parties important in the children’s or families’ lives. Unlike the traditional child welfare case conferencing, the family is in charge of the meeting and responsible for creating the recommended plan and identifying the attendees. The caseworker’s participation primarily involves sharing of information and resources and accepting the family’s plan (if safety concerns are adequately addressed). Unique to this practice is private family time that excludes any non-family members.