Guidance for workers

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  Referrals to be made to FGC service through completion of referral form, via post, or email:
  

Northamptonshire Family Group Conferences

Action for Children Sure Start,

Montagu Street, Kettering NN16 8RX.

email: fgc.northants@actionforchildren.org.uk

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  Once a referral has been made, NFGC will confirm receipt and endeavour to allocate within 3 working days. Following allocation, the FGC will be convened within 8 weeks, with the potential to review, up to 8 weeks after the FGC.
  

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  All referrals made to the project must have an allocated Social Worker, who will remain involved whilst the FGC process is undertaken. NFGC is unable to take referrals where the case has been closed, as the Social Worker’s report must be presented to the meeting by the Social Worker and the Family Plan approved by them.
  

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  Referrals to the project should be made as early as possible into the work with the family, as NFGC is not a crisis intervention model and families need adequate time to be seen and prepared.
  

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  If cases have been referred less than 3 months previously, discussion with the service is necessary prior to making a new referral.
  

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  Families need to be aware of the referral and in agreement in principle, to it being made. Families who state that there is no family to invite should be discussed with the service, rather than just sent through as a “tick box” exercise, given the increased demands on the service.
  

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  All workers will be expected to provide a written report, prior to the FGC, which the Co-ordinator can then ensure all attendees have before the meeting. This should be shared with the parents prior to sending to FGC Co-ordinator.
  

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  Co-ordinators will advise when a report is required and provide a Social Worker report form as necessary.
  

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  The report should be:
  

1. 
   Succinct – reason for current involvement and focus for FGC
   
2. 
   Free from “jargon” and professional language
   
3. 
   Should comment on positive efforts of the family, as well as concerns
   
4. 
   Be clear as to the “bottom line”, i.e. what could happen if no changes are made
   
5. 
   Contain information on the resources available to support the family
   

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  To discuss the referral with the worker and agree a plan of action, within 7 working days of allocation. If contact with the referrer is not possible within this timescale, referrals will be closed by FGC service. The co-ordinator will remain in regular contact with the referrer, to update on progress and agree a date and time for the FGC.
  

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  To contact all identified family/friends and prepare them for the FGC. Co-ordinators will contact families with telephone calls, and follow up with texts. If no response a letter will be sent with a visit date and request for confirmation from the family. If no subsequent contact is received, referring workers will be informed of the lack of progress and intention to close the file.
  

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  To ensure all relevant professionals, as agreed with the family, are prepared and all reports are obtained.
  

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  To meet and prepare the children involved, ascertaining their views, through an advocate or through their own preparation work.
  

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  To agree, with the family and worker, a suitable time and venue for the meeting and any additional requirements needed to assist, for example, child care or transport costs.
  

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  To send out the reports and invitations to the family and professionals.
  

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  To manage the FGC, being clear about expectations of conduct, with ground rules being agreed, to manage all participants’ behaviour. The co-ordinator will be clear during their preparation time that inappropriate or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated and could result in the FGC being terminated. A discussion about any likely risks will be undertaken with the worker at the beginning of the process.
  

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  To provide a typed copy of the plan to all participants and to arrange a review should the family require this.
  

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  To ensure the review takes place and the review plan is sent out to all participants.
  

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  Discuss opportunity of FGC referral with family, gaining their agreement, in principle for a referral form to be completed and sent to FGC, with CP plan if children subject to CPR.
  

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  To be available to discuss the referral with the co-ordinator, preferably through a short meeting and inform of any major changes to family situation or worker changes within 7 working days of the referral being allocated.
  

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  To provide good quality information before the meeting within their report and within the Information Sharing Stage of the FGC. It is an expectation that workers will attend the FGC, whether during usual office hours, or outside of these and this will be discussed with as much notice as possible, once the co-ordinator has started to contact the family. Non-availability of a worker could lead to meetings being delayed or not taking place.
  

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  To agree the family plan and support the family in carrying out their plan, ensuring any resources agreed are provided. If the family require a review, the worker would be expected to attend this, to comment on how the plan has progressed.
  

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  The worker should not invite others to attend the FGC without prior discussion with the co-ordinator and family and only if the family agree, would other colleagues or managers be allowed to attend.
  

Northamptonshire Family Group Conferences Project

Action for Children Sure Start

Montagu Street

Kettering

Northants