Family Group Conferences in Social Work

“This book brings together a wide range of practitioner and academic detailed expertise – a must read for students and practitioners alike.” Dr Andrew Wills, University of Plymouth

Deanna Edwards is a lecturer in social work at the University of Salford with extensive experience of using family group conferences (FGCs) in the area of child protection. She has spent a number of years training FGC practitioners in the UK.

Kate Parkinson is a lecturer in social work at the University of Salford. She has worked within the field of children and families social work for 15 years before taking up her post at the University of Salford. Kate has worked within the areas of child protection, early intervention and looked after children.

Part I: Introducing Family Group Conferences;

Introduction ~ Deanna Edwards;

The theoretical context for FGCs ~ Kate Parkinson;

A guide to convening a FGC ~ Deanna Edwards;

The policy and legislative context ~ Deanna Edwards, Kate Parkinson and Marilyn Taylor;

Research, policy and practice ~ Nick Frost and Bernie Jackson;

Family members' experiences ~ Deanna Edwards and family members who have been part of a FGC;

An international perspective ~ Kate Parkinson;

Part II: Family Group Conferences in Practice;

Addressing domestic abuse through FGCs ~ Kate Parkinson and Michaela Rogers;

FGCs with marginalised communities ~ Iyabo Ayodele Fatimilehin;

FGCs and harmful sexual behaviour ~ Monique Anderson;

FGCs in the youth justice system ~ Jonny Cohen and Dave Norton;

FGCs and adult social care ~ Tim Fisher, Beth Mooney and Andrew Papworth;

Conclusion ~ Deanna Edwards and Kate Parkinson.