Mission Statement:Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) originated in New Zealand because many children were being placed in non-relative settings and government institutions. These placements were called “Stranger Care”. These settings are similar to foster care and residential treatment settings we currently use in Pennsylvania.
There was a federal mandate in 1989 that all families with children facing abuse and neglect issues needed to be offered a FGDM Conference.
Since then this practice has spread across the United States and Worldwide.
History:Current Use in Pennsylvania
- At least 50 of 67 Pennsylvania counties have engaged in the implementation of FGDM
- First National Roundtable was held in Philadelphia in 1996
- Allegheny County was first Pennsylvania county to implement in 1999
- York County implemented in 2007
- Pennsylvania Statewide Implementation Team was created in 2002
- International Roundtable was held in Harrisburg in 2004
- International Roundtable will be held in Pittsburgh in 2009
Eligibility: Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is a meeting that involves immediate and extended family, support people, community members and service providers. This is a voluntary process that draws on family experiences, knowledge and resources to create plans that provide for the safety and well being of a family. Family Group Decision Making creates an opportunity for the voice of family to be heard.
This practice is for any family who may have an active case with either Children and Youth Services or Juvenile Probation. If your family is not involved with either of these services, Family Group Decision Making is still offered to families who are enrolled in medical assistance.