Darrell Fox

Theory: Eco Systems, Resiliency and Social Pedagogy

This is the first of two theory chapters that explore the processes of FGC and FGC Advocacy. This chapter differs to the next in that it applies Eco Systems Theory, Resiliency and Social Pedagogy to the core attributes of FGC and FGC Advocacy and not to the experiences of the participants themselves. Given that FGC is an intervention that seeks to involve a broad range of participants in a holistic and empowering manner, theories have been chosen that explore the individual and family experiences of the intervention, locating these in the broader social context that the intervention takes place.

Conclusion: Summary, Areas for Future Research and Implications for Social Work Practice

This chapter summarises the key messages regarding FGC and FGC Advocacy that were found in the literature and also from the research data. Six significant interconnecting themes—variations in advocacy approach, contrasting emphases on ‘wishes and feelings’ and ‘best interests’, differing focus on young people and family, and the impact of pre-conference questions, advocacy and empowerment, and the roles of extended family and community culture—emerged and are critically discussed. Implications for social work practice, along with recommendations for further research, are identified.

Findings Pre-conference: Evolution of FGC: Division of Roles, Engagement and Participation

This chapter extends the examination of the pre-conference stage of the Family Group Conference (FGC) and FGC Advocacy process, exploring specially the evolution of FGC in terms of the division of advocacy and coordinator roles and how young people are engaged with, and to what degree they participate in, the FGC processes.

Findings the Conference: Timeframes, Attendance and Focus, Family Time, the Plan, Follow Up

This chapter explores the role of the advocate and their engagement with and support of young people involved in the conference stage of the FGC process. The chapter is organised into four key themes that emerged from the interview transcripts concerning variations in approach to FGC practice; these are: timeframes, attendance, and focus of the meeting; family time; the plan; and follow up.

Literature Review: Current and Developing Research

This chapter explores the relevant literature and analyses research in the fields of the New Zealand (NZ) FGC and the practice of advocacy therein. It will critically examine best practice, and more specifically, explore the role of independent advocacy within the NZ FGC used for child welfare matters. The review will explore how variations in the deployment of the FGC model shape the provision of advocacy services, and as a result affect the experiences of the young people and their families concerned.

Findings Pre-conference: Demographics, Preparation and Referral and Gatekeeping

This chapter explores the findings from my research interview data and is presented from four sources: young people, family members, advocates and a Family Group Conference (FGC) coordinator, all of whom had experienced or were about to experience an FGC. A thematic analysis, along with an adapted critical discourse analysis tool, was applied to the interview transcripts, and the emergent key themes are explored here.

Family Group Conference: Models and Processes

This chapter explores the evolution of Family Group Conference (FGC) practice and the subsequent variations in models and processes. It discusses the core components of FGC practice and identifies how advocacy is a key practice that permeates within that process. Positive attributes of these approaches along with concerns are identified for further discussion.

Children’s Rights

This chapter discusses children’s rights in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It will explore articles 3 and 12 of the convention specifically, and discuss how these articles are more divisible than indivisible in child protection matters. The subsequent impact of these articles on FGC and the role of advocacy for young people in terms of supporting either a ‘best interest’s’ or ‘wishes and feelings’ focus is also examined.

Theories of Power: Family Group Conference and Advocacy Approaches

This chapter continues the examination of how variations in advocacy provision within FGCs may empower, as well as potentially disempower, young people and their families involved with the intervention. As with the previous chapter, it reviews FGC and FGC Advocacy practice across a broad range of social sites; however, the focus is different here as it is concerned more with how power can be seen to be transmitted through the practices of FGC and FGC Advocacy. Therefore, a framework of theories that differ from those used in the previous chapter and that are associated with understanding power and its exercise is appropriate for this analysis and critical reflection.

Findings Pre-conference: Questions

This chapter connects the previous findings chapters, reflecting the practice of Family Group Conference (FGC) and how the questions connect the preparation stages of the process (Chaps. 8 and 9) with the meeting itself (Chap. 11) and how both aspects of FGC influence and are influenced by the questions in terms of structure, process and outcomes.