Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is a collaborative approach to service planning and decision making. Using the FGDM approach, families join with relatives, friends, and others in the community to develop a plan to ensure children are cared for and protected from future harm. This broader constellation of “family” convenes with information providers/community supports and CPS caseworkers in a unique partnership that empowers the “family group” with a high degree of decision-making authority and responsibility. FGCs generally are held after a child is removed, but may also be used before removal when the family receives Family Based Safety Services.
