Parents
My family live interstate or overseas, how can they be involved?
One Future uses technology to support family members or services to attend family group conferences and the facilitator of the meeting will talk to you about who you would like to participate in the family group conference. We use our own video ...
If I do not attend will my child/ren be removed?
Family group conferences are one way in which families can work together with child protection services, but they are voluntary. If you decide not to attend a family group conference, the caseworker will continue to work with you and your family to ...
What if I turn up late?
We ask you to arrive early so that you do not arrive late, but understand that sometimes, this happens. The meeting will not start until the parents are present. The facilitator will be in contact with you if this happens so that the meeting can be ...
What happens on the day? (Parent/s)
The facilitator will ask you to arrive earlier than the other people attending so that you are not arriving when everyone else is there. The facilitator understands you will be nervous/anxious and is there to help you through the meeting. Once ...
Can my children attend?
The child/ren who the meeting relates to may attend if agreed with the facilitator, but we ask that other children do not come along as this can be a distraction for people. Please talk with your facilitator about childcare if this is an issue for ...
Do the children have to attend?
It is important to hear the 'child's voice' but if for any reason they can't attend then the facilitator will explore other ways for the child/ren to be involved, for example through an advocate. Sometimes child/ren share pictures, letters, or videos ...
I want the children to come, but what happens if people start arguing?
The facilitator will discuss this with you along with your caseworker but efforts will be put in place to ensure the children are able to safely step out of the meeting with a support person as and when needed. It can also be arranged that the ...
What will happen if people do not want to come to the Family Group Conference?
The facilitator’s role is to work hard to make it possible for people to attend by addressing their concerns and dealing with any problems. Often people will attend, even if they are unsure to begin with after talking with the facilitator. If people ...
What will happen if I do not agree to do the Family Group Conference (FGC)?
If you decide that a family group conference is not the right thing for you and your family the facilitator will inform the caseworker of your decision. If you change your mind at any point in the future, you can contact your caseworker and ask them ...
Who will be at the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) meeting?
The people who attend the meeting will all be known to you. The facilitator will keep you informed about who will be there on the day. It will be the caseworker and their manager, services you work with, as well as your family and friends.
Why does the caseworker have to be there; we don't really get on?
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has made the referral to One Future. It is the case workers job to share the concerns as well as details of support they can offer with you and your family. They will also be able to answer ...
I have been referred for an Family Group Conference (FGC), but I don’t have contact with my family?
Not all families have contact with their family members for a whole range of reasons. The facilitator can help you think about who else could be in your support network, for example, good friends, neighbours or people who care and who you trust. The ...
Who should I invite to my Family Group Conference (FGC)?
You should invite any friends and family who are important to you and your family. You should also invite any service provider or group that are currently offering you some support.