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Family Group Decision Making
Facilitation of Meetings
Most of the attention has been focused on the meeting itself, which is successful if the groundwork has been laid. Meetings are recommended to be co-facilitated. One of the facilitators may be the coordinator. For some jurisdictions, the coordinator and facilitator are the same person. Separation of these roles is recommended to maintain the neutrality of the facilitator.
Many jurisdictions in California follow a similar meeting protocol. The meeting may be convened with a ritual or culturally appropriate event. Cultural elements may also be woven throughout the meeting process that creates an environment of comfort and respect for the family's unique heritage. Introductions of all participants and review of the meeting process follow. Participants agree to the goal of the meeting.
An explicit discussion of family strengths follows. Everyone contributes to the process, which acknowledges what works for the family and honors the family's expertise about themselves. The caseworker and service providers may contribute to the process as a demonstration of respect for the family and to reveal strengths which may have gone unnoticed.
After the family members, extended family members and community members have shared their concerns related to a meeting's purpose, service providers and the referring caseworker share their related concerns with the family. With a shared goal, the family considers how to craft a plan to address these needs.
The facilitator guides the process, but does not direct the outcomes. Preparation for family "alone time" is provided, and the facilitators and service providers withdraw.
Family alone time allows family members to candidly discuss the situation, pose possible options and make decisions. The plan they craft must meet the goal, address concerns and be within the parameters set by the caseworker. They identify what the family can and will do for themselves, what other family members will contribute and what other needs the family has that will require resource providers. These plans are often much more comprehensive, detailed and stringent than the agency itself would recommend or are able to support.
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