Family Network Meetings (FNM)

Family meetings and support planning

When a child comes to live with you, it can help to bring together the people who know and care about them. This might include family members, friends, carers, and, where appropriate, professionals working with your family.

A Family Network Meeting (FNM) or Family Group Conference (FGC) gives everyone a chance to talk about the child's needs and agree how best to support them.

These meetings can help to:

• understand the child's situation
• identify the strengths and support already available within the family
• agree how the child will be cared for and supported
• plan for the child's future

In some informal family arrangements, you can also ask for a Family Network Meeting if you feel it would be helpful, even where the local authority has not been involved in supporting the arrangement.

What happens at a meeting?

A Family Network Meeting or Family Group Conference is a chance for everyone to work together and make plans for the child.

During the meeting:

• everyone has the opportunity to share their views
• the child's needs and wellbeing stay at the centre of the discussion
• the family looks at what support is available
• plans are made together in the child's best interests

A trained professional will usually help guide the conversation and make sure everyone is listened to and treated with respect.

When might a meeting take place?

A meeting may be offered:

• when a child first comes to live with you
• during early help or assessment work
• when arrangements for the child are changing
• when longer-term plans are being considered

If Children's Services are involved, meetings are often offered early on. You can also ask for one at any stage by speaking to your social worker, the Kinship Team, or Family Help services.