The FGC is important as it allows you to express your views about who you want your child to stay with and to make sure that you will have contact with your child during your time in prison. You have a right to attend. There may be ways for you to do so:
Oranga Tamariki may negotiate with the Department of Corrections for you to attend under escort.
the Oranga Tamariki Care and Protection coordinator may visit you and get your views about who you want your child to live with
you could use other support people to represent your views
you could use your lawyer to represent your views
a conference call link could be set up from the prison.
If you are in prison and want to attend the FGC, talk to your case manager and social worker about these various options.