Information Giving:

This part of the meeting is chaired by the FGC Coordinator. They will make sure that everyone is introduced and everyone who is present understands the purpose and process of the Family Group Conference and agrees how the meeting will be conducted including, if felt helpful by those present, explicit ground rules. The referring professional give information to the attendees about:

• the reason for the conference;
• information they hold about the adult that will assist the attendees to make the plan;
• information about resources and support they are able to provide;
• any welfare concerns that will affect what can be agreed in the plan (e.g. Safeguarding Adults Concerns); and
• what action will be taken if the attendees cannot make a plan or the plan is not agreed.

The adult and invited participants may also provide information, ask for clarification or raise questions.

Private family time

Agency staff and the FGC Coordinator are not present during this part of the conference. The adult and their network have time to talk among themselves and come up with a plan that addresses the concerns raised. They will identify resources and support which are required from agencies, as well as within the network to make the plan work.