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Family Group Conference

Family Group Conference

 

What is a Family Group Conference?

 

A Family Group Conference, also known as a FGC, is a meeting held with the parents and family members to discuss the Local Authority’s concerns and put plans in place for the future.

 

An independent coordinator will be involved in the meeting to enable the involvement of the family network and professionals in the process. A plan will usually be put in place with clear recommendations and timeframes for the family.

 

Do I need to attend a Family Group Conference and who should I invite?

 

You should ensure that you attend the Family Group Conference as this will enable you to have detailed discussions in relation to the child, acknowledge the concerns the Local Authority have in relation to the child and provide you with assistance in relation to how the concerns can be addressed.

 

The meeting will also give you the opportunity to meet with the professionals involved in your child’s lives and gain a deeper understanding of what each of their individual concerns are.

 

The Family Group Conference will allow you to ensure that your voice is heard by professionals by providing you with an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised and discuss how you feel matters should be progressed further.

 

During the meeting, the Local Authority will ask you who you wish to invite to the Family Group Conference and you will be required to provide their contact details so that the Local Authority can send them an invitation to the meeting.

 

You can invite family members and close friends to the meeting so that they have a better understanding of the concerns in relation to you and can provide you with the required advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity. This will allow you to have the necessary time to make any changes and ensure that the child remains with you at home. If the Local Authority believe that this is not possible, the Family Group Conference will consider alternative placement options for the child.

 

Will I be able to bring my Legal representative to the Family Group Conference?

 

Solicitors are not usually able to attend a Family Group Conference as this is intended to be a direct meeting between the parents/ guardians and family members. This will allow the parents/ guardians to address concerns directly and support can be put in place which will be beneficial for the parents and child.

 

If there are any issues following the Family Group Conference your legal representative can raise these issues with the Local Authority.

 

How can Duncan Lewis Solicitors assist you?

 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors have a specialist children law team who represent parents, family members and children within this area of law.

 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors have Solicitors, Trainees Solicitors and Caseworkers who speak a range of languages to assist clients within proceedings, where required.

 

Duncan Lewis is recommended by The Legal 500 legal directory for its specialism in all aspects of family and children law nationwide and cross-border. The Legal 500 applauds our family and child care solicitors to be a team of lawyers that are ‘friendly professionals who take their time to understand your case’. Duncan Lewis team includes Advanced Members of the Law Society’s Family Panel, and members of the Law Society Children.

 

How will the matter be funded?

 

Duncan Lewis Solicitors may be able to provide legal aid depending on the type of application that has been made. Our Children Law team are able to discuss funding options with you and can assess you for legal aid.

 

A fixed fee quote or a quote with a legal representative’s hourly rate may also be available for this matter. Potential quotes for such funding will be confirmed with you in advance of any work being undertaken on your matter.

 

For expert legal advice on all family and childcare matters, contact Duncan Lewis Solicitors on 033 3772 0409.

 


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