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Family Group Decision Making
Family Group Decision Making Follow-up
Originally practiced as a one-time event, family group decision making acknowledges the dynamic process of family development and life and draws family members and other supports closer together so that information is more freely shared. However, family needs shift and change, new issues emerge and families reach critical decision points due to externally imposed deadlines. As a result, more family group decision making programs are incorporating regular follow-up meetings. Preparation and coordination for the follow-up meeting are less intensive since many members are already participating in the decision making process.
Regular follow-up
As determined by the family, regular follow-up may be scheduled. It may be useful for these meetings to occur when a report to the court is due or a plan must be updated. A follow-up can also be planned around known critical decision points such as the 12-month permanency planning hearing. Life events such as an impending birth, a transitional age or graduation from high school can also be important times for such follow-up meetings.
Ad hoc follow-up
Some groups elect an as-needed approach. They are open to a family member's request or monitoring worker's request for follow-up meetings. Families in recovery from substance abuse, with very dynamic membership, or circumstances such as when a child is moving from one placement to another may demand such follow-up. Ad-hoc follow-up is useful to reach consensus about the group's expectations for follow-up meetings, their availability and commitment to participate. If your organization has any limitations in regard to support for these meetings, it is important to be clear about them in advance.
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