Family Group Conference Service

Family Group Conferences (FGCs) are at the heart of our restorative approach to supporting families when there is a safeguarding issue or worry about a family. The FGC goal is for the family to make a plan, written in their own words, that details how they and their network, can support the child to address the concerns and to keep the child safe and happy.

How it works

• A Family Group Conference is a meeting where parents, children, wider family and friends are given clear information from an Family Group Conference Service Lead about safeguarding concerns and are asked to produce a family plan to address these.
• Each FGC Lead is independent from the Social Work service and other services. They are neutral, with no case management or decision-making responsibilities. Families value this independence.
• A key goal of the FGC is to create private family time, which allows the family to make plans without professionals being involved in their decision making.
• An FGC Lead will fully explain the Family Group Conference process to the family and gain their consent to proceed, and if appropriate, consult with the child prior to making the referral. All referrals are to be made via Liquid Logic.

Contact the Family Group Conference team

For general advice and guidance, contact the general team inbox: FGC@cheshireeast.gov.uk, or you can contact a specific team member, using the links below. 

Team members

Stephanie Hill - Service Manager

Karen Dunning - FGC Lead

Sue Edwards - FGC Lead

Nikki Stroud - FGC Lead

Wendy Cummins - FGC Lead 

Kelly Sanders – FGC Lead