What is Family Group Conferencing and Mediation (FGC)?
FGC is a special form of mediation created to help families solve family based problems. The FGC concept is based on the idea that troubled families can make decisions that keep kids safe when they have the support of their community.
In most situations, cases are referred for FGC when children are at risk of being placed in the juvenile detention system or with social services. Through FGC, families are empowered to participate in the decision making process, a process generally left to government agencies.
Child Dependency Mediation is a type of FGC that deals specifically with child protective services cases pertaining to the welfare of the child. Click here for more information about our Child Dependency Mediation Program.
How Does the Process Work?
- Pre-conference Planning:
- Referral: A family member, friend or a professional, such as a case worker, refers the case to FGC.
- Information gathering: The mediator interviews the family to determine whether the case is appropriate for FGC.
- Meeting Preparation: The mediator arranges a time and location for a FGC session.
- FGC Process:
- Introduction: The mediator(s) introduce themselves, explain their role as a neutral facilitators, set some general guidelines for the session and obtain the consent of all the parties.
- Sharing of Information: The professionals explain why FGC was requested and answers the family's questions.
- Private Deliberation (optional): The family meets privately to discuss the issues and creates a plan that addresses them.
- Recommendation: The family works with the mediator to write the plan.
- Post FGC session:
- Submission (only applicable in court referral cases): The family's plan is given to the court or social services for review and approval.
- Completion: Family puts the approved plan into action.
How Can FGC Benefit My Family?
- Confidentiality: Mediation takes place in a private forum so everyone can feel comfortable expressing their feelings and needs.
** Please note that Guardian Ad Litems are not bound by confidentiality and may share information provided in the session to the Judge **
- Information Sharing: FGC provides a neutral ground where families can talk one-on-one with a professional to get a better understanding of the situation.
- Collaborative Process: In FGC the family can invite members from the community, such as other relatives, friends and professionals to attend the session and help them find a solution.
- Control Of the Outcome: The family plan can be adopted by social services and/or the court and included as part of the final determination of the case.
- Satisfaction: Because each member of the family contributes to the final plan they are more likely to be satisfied and follow through with their part of the agreement.
Refer a Family to FGC:
What Else Can I Do To Improve The Situation In My Home?
Community Mediation Center has several programs which give families the tools they need to deal with difficult situations and preserve relationships.
- Co-Parenting: Two Parents, Two Homes - Conflict among adults often has devastating effect on kids. Learn how you can lessen the effects and help children cope when parents live separately or when children are placed in custody of guardian. Click here to learn more or to register for the class.
- Conflict Coaching - CMC has volunteers available to meet with you one-on-one to help you develop a plan for handling problematic situations in your life. Click here for your conflict coaching session.
- Youth Conflict Resolution Skills Training - You can never be too young to learn productive ways for dealing with conflict. CMC offers conflict resolution skills training for youth of all ages. Click here to register your child for classes.
Referral to mediation form
Online, PDF or Word
Mediation Parameters
PDF or Word
Call the mediation coordinator at 757-480-2777 for more information
Community Mediation Center
586 Virginian Dr.
Norfolk, VA 23505
PH: 757-480-2777
FX: 757-531-9423
E-mail: info@conflictcrushers.org
Resolving Conflicts | Building Relationships | Empowering People
