news

Summary

Burford, Gale and Pennell, Joan and MacLeod, Susan (1994). Manual for coordinators and communities: The organization and practice of family group decision making Saint John’s, Newfoundland, Canada: Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Social Work, Family Group Decision Making Project.

The authors of this manual intend it for community or government groups who are interested in instituting family group conferences, and for individuals who will be coordinating or participating in family group conferences. Originally written with respect to the specific legislative, social, and economic context of Newfoundland, the manual is nevertheless useful to a wider audience of interested people and groups. Chapter 1 presents an overview of the definition and purpose of the family group conference, effective implementation of a conference, and its key stages and elements. Chapter 2 deals with community and project development, including research, evaluation, and follow up. Chapter 3 surveys referrals to family group conferencing. In Chapters 4, 5, and 6, the authors detail preparations for a conference, conduct of a conference, and post-conference activities. Chapter 7 contains a sample family group plan. Several appendices cover mission and philosophy statements, roles of staff and related groups, measures to ensure safety, and a checklist for preparations for a family group conference.

Link: social.chass.ncsu.edu/jpennell/fgdm/manual/TOC.htm

2577