Evaluating family group conferences with adults: Practice Tool (2017)

This practice tool aims to support practitioners and managers who are already running a family group conference (FGC) service for adults, and those who are considering developing a service.

It provides an overview of:

• the current evidence base regarding FGCs with adults
• the complexities of measuring the impact of FGCs on outcomes for adults and their families
• practical ideas to support the evaluation of the process and outcomes of a FGC service for adults.

What is a family group conference?

• A family group conference is a way of working collaboratively with adults and their network of family, friends and supporters. It involves a formal meeting, which aims to support the adult and their network to make decisions which best support the needs and wishes of the individual.
• It is facilitated by an independent coordinator, who is not part of the professional network.
• The FGC aims to facilitate families/networks working together to design solutions to specific problems, and to make decisions and plans which best meet the needs of the individual.