Strengthening Relationships: Children’s Participation in a Family Group Approach to Family Violence

Abstract

Family violence strains family relationships and cultural ties. A family group approach strengthens these relationships by centering the family, their relatives, and close supports in safeguarding all members. Risk-averse jurisdictions, however, may prohibit the practice, and workers may hesitate to invite the children. Such responses diminish the opportunity for adults to be inspired by the children to act and for children to gain participatory competence and pride in their family. To support the involvement of family, this article offers strategies shaped to local settings. Reaching into their extensive experience of family group conferences or circles in child welfare, the authors overview inclusive practices in four diverse places: Aotearoa New Zealand, United Kingdom, Mi’kmaq in Canada, and Israel.