Can the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) model alleviate tensions between social worker’s dual responsibility of Child Protection and family support? A Systematic Review

Abstract

<strong>This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.</strong> Social workers are tasked with a dual mandate to support families to keep their children safe and the power accorded by the law to use compulsion if they do not feel the families are keeping their children safe. How do social workers use both these mandates in an empowering manner that keeps the children safe whilst keeping the family together? This paper argues that in using Family Group Model (FGC)&nbsp; model, social workers are able to use both mandates through recognising and employing existing family strengths. The model helps families take control of decision making about matters that affect their children. Through the FGC model, families are partners in safeguarding their children and decision making thereby handing the power back to families.