A wide range of family members have been involved in the decision making and many have offered resources to help and support the child. The pivotal coordinator role requires interpersonal, group and organizational skills to negotiate family attendance and participation at the meeting, a process that can be very time consuming and demanding. There are indications that children are more likely to have a placement with extended family, and that the placement is more likely to be stable, following a Family Group Conference. The professionals involved think the children are protected by the plans and there are indications of a reduction in re-abuse rates. Staff thought that the Conferences contributed to savings in a number of areas which would cover the direct costs of running them.
Family members are very satisfied with the process, although they find it stressful and difficult.
Almost all the professionals involved expressed support for the model, but around one third of social workers appear reluctant to refer families for a Family Group Conference. The project initiators were clear that introducing Family Group Conferences into a selected part of social work practice needs careful planning and preparation over at least a year, plus ongoing training, feedback and staff support.