Working with family members to keep children with their parents and within their family
Anthony has been conducting Family Group Conferences for NSW Dpt Communities and Justice (DCJ) for the past 5 years which involves facilitating complex family meetings in child protection matters. This often involves large amounts of preparation with families with significant challenges with drugs and alcohol, violence, mental illness and with families where relationships are estranged. This often involves family finding and working with family members to rebuild connections and to develop solutions to the challenges they face. It culminates in facilitating large family meetings with DCJ staff present where family members are able to make crucial decisions together about how children will stay with and remain connected to their family.
Family group conferences can also be completed on a private basis for agencies other than DCJ, with this possible for NGOs and agencies providing or managing care. Anthony is based in the Northern Rivers but has also conducted FGC’s throughout NSW and Sydney and at times with family members interstate, though this requires additional travel costs. Fees are generally charged at the same rate paid by DCJ, with it easiest to discuss the situation directly with Anthony to explore options.