The FGDM Process

Stage 1 - Referral

• Referrer seeks approval from the family.
• Attends a referral meeting with the co-ordinator to agree the process.
• Case is then allocated.

Stage 2 - Preparation (approx 4 - 6 weeks)

• Co-ordinator begins to engage with the Child/Young Person and family to establish a wider network.
• Meets with the wider network to share current concerns.
• Supports the whole family to work in a future-focussed way.
• Encourages restorative and supportive discussions, enabling families to begin to think about what could be in their plan.
• Supports the Child/Young Person and family to plan their meeting in a way that is meaningful to them.
• Prepares the whole family for the family meeting.

Stage 3 - Family Meeting

Information sharing stage

• Co-ordinator opens the meeting.
• Referrer shares the reason's for the referral and bottom lines.
• Family may share information with professionals if they choose to.
• There should be no new information presented at the meeting.

Private family time

• Professionals hand over to the family to make their plan.
• Professionals leave the room, but must remain available and be ready for the family meeting to conclude.
• Family invite co-ordinator back to go over their plan.

Agreeing the plan

• The family invite the referrer back into the room and present their plan.
• Plan is signed
• Review Date is set.  (Family or referrer may request an early review if the plan needs adjusted).