We know that supporting communities to help themselves works best. There is research to evidence that the outcomes for families who have used Family Group Conferences in the UK since the first one ever took place in 1993 in Wales, has shown significant reductions in the numbers of children becoming subject to Child protection plans. We believe that having a Family Group Conference much earlier in matters of concern for children and young people will help to achieve better outcomes in the long term and prevent crises in the short term.
In Haringey we recognise the value in supporting and teaching families how to come together to work through challenges with one another, so they can bring together their own strengths and put in place their own strategies first, before then considering whether to approach professional services if needed.
In Haringey we have a vision that all families who live in this borough and are in need of help, will be offered the opportunity to be supported by a family group conference.