12. Restorative Elements in Family Group Conferencing

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) incorporates restorative elements that focus on repairing harm, acknowledging problems, and fostering collective responses. Here are key points related to the restorative nature of FGCs:

FGCs are a restorative process that addresses harm and promotes healing and reconciliation within families and friends’ networks. They provide a platform for everyone to come together, acknowledge past events’ impact, and work towards repairing the harm caused or challenges they face.

The restorative nature of FGCs allows people to acknowledge problems and connected feelings in a supportive and non-adversarial environment. By fostering open and honest communication, participants can collectively explore the underlying issues and develop responses that address the needs and concerns of all involved.

FGCs are not centred around blaming or seeking punishment. Instead, they emphasise collaboration, understanding, and shared responsibility for finding solutions. The focus is repairing relationships, promoting understanding, and working towards positive change.

FGCs provide an opportunity for professionals, families, young people, adults, and their friends to network and work together in the best interests of everyone involved. They encourage collaboration, shared decision-making, and collective problem-solving, promoting unity and cooperation.

While FGCs may begin by acknowledging and understanding past events, their purpose extends beyond dwelling on the past. The process is future-oriented, aiming to create plans and strategies that support positive outcomes and promote a better future for the individual and their family and friends’ networks.

Realism is essential in FGC discussions and planning. Participants must approach the process with a realistic understanding of the challenges and complexities involved. Cynicism can undermine the process by eroding trust and hindering constructive dialogue. Maintaining a positive and constructive mindset is crucial for the success of FGCs.

A good FGC incorporates time travel, addressing what happened in the past, repairing harm in the present, and planning for the future. This comprehensive approach allows for a holistic understanding of the individual’s circumstances and supports the development of effective plans that address their needs and aspirations.

FGCs embrace restorative principles by focusing on repairing harm, promoting understanding, and fostering collective responses. By acknowledging problems, fostering collaboration, and emphasising future-oriented planning, FGCs provide an opportunity for individuals, families, and friends networks to work together towards healing, reconciliation, and positive change.

The beauty of FGC is its togetherness. While supporting the centre person, it’s an opportunity for everyone to learn, grow, heal, and transform together. Lived experience told me that nothing is absolute as long as you live. There is room for change, room for healing, there is hope.