What is family group decision making/ a circle of support?

It’s a safe place for family and/or friends to talk, explore options and strengthen relationships.

How does the meeting work with consent?

The meeting is voluntary, you can say yes or no at any time. However, there may be exceptions to this if there are worries or concerns for your child’s welfare. A professional will discuss this with you.

What is the aim of the meeting?

To enable families to gain control, be heard and shape their own change.

Who organises the meeting?

The person who organises the meeting will depend on the families’ circumstances. These could include:

•    Coordinator
•    Someone from your school
•    A health professional 
•    Family or friends
•    Someone from your circle of support

Who can attend the FGDM/circle of support meeting?

•    Family
•    Friends
•    Neighbours
•    Colleagues 

Where is the meeting held?

Where possible, the meeting will be held at a space that feels safe and comfortable for your family.

What does a circle of support look like?

Your coordinator will talk to you about who you feel is in your family network and arrange for them to be invited. After this has been arranged, your coordinator will arrange a time and place for the meeting that suits you best.

Where possible the meeting will take place in the language that you use at home and in a location that you feel most comfortable in. The coordinator will also try to make sure that the child or children’s views, wishes and feelings are heard.

The facilitator most closely involved will explain to the family:

•    Why they are worried about the child/ young person
•    What resources and services are available to support the family

The family may ask for any additional information they may need to help with the plan.

This is time for the professionals to leave the room so discussion can be had in private.

•    Discuss the information given
•    Decide what support they need
•    Decide who can do what
•    Work out and agree a plan
•    Come up with a contingency plan

Once the plan has been agreed this is then shared with the professionals. The plan will be accepted unless it places the child/ young person at risk or does not address the original concerns.

 

Please see our leaflets for Circles of Support below:

-    Leaflet for Families (.pdf Size: 528Kb)
-    Leaflet for Children and Young People (.pdf Size: 6234Kb)

Any questions please email FGDMTeam@Telford.gov.uk