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What Is Family Group Decision Making? |
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Written by Yulondra Barlow
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Monday, 18 June 2007 |
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Hello Ward 6 residents! I want to chat with you about a conference I recently attended on Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) hosted by American Humane Association. FGDM originated in New Zealand and during the last 15 years, the concept has spread internationally and has been utilized increasingly in professional child welfare practice. I know you are asking, “What is Family Group Decision Making?” Glad you are interested.
FGDM is a process in which family members, community members, and others collaborate with public system representatives to create a plan for children, youth and their families who are involved in any child, youth, and family-serving system (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, domestic violence, education). I was elated to see that the District is among the more than 35 states and 22 countries embracing the FGMD philosophy.
I had the opportunity to serve as a Family Therapist in an agency that is family centered and dedicated to the concept of involving families in their treatment planning process. I have had the extreme pleasure of witnessing what can happen when a family is actively involved and encouraged to participate this decision-making process -- empowerment.
Sometimes in our desire to help those in need, we unintentionally strip people of their ability to help themselves and regain control over their own lives. We as professionals often believe that we are the experts and know what is best for the families we serve. I have found, however, that families are the experts of their families understanding their family's dynamic better that anyone outside the family ever could.
The FGDM model is a family-centered strength-based approach that encourages family involvement giving them the ability to actively participate in decision making about matters that concern them. This involvement is key in ultimately fostering empowerment. If you would like to learn more about Family Group Decision Making visit the American Humane Association website at www.americanhumane.org.
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2007-06-19 12:14:52 Mr. Wells how will this model be used in your discussion of integrated case management in the District of Columbia at the hearing scheduled for June 22, 2007? |
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