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Family Group Conferencing in the Netherlands with regard to family-problems John Blad. Families solving their problems. ‘Eigen Kracht-conferentie’:
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Family Group Conferencing in the Netherlands with regard to family-problems John Blad Families solving their problems
‘Eigen Kracht-conferentie’: ‘a method to leave the responsibility with the family for severe decisions with regard to family problems. It gives the family the opportunity to make a plan, using their ‘own capabilities’ and resources from outside the family.’ Inspired by 1989 New-Zealand model Family Group Conferencing
Groei Eigen Kracht-conferenties 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Increasingly used since 2001
In 2008 in sum 471 applications Organisations applied in 368 cases (78%) Youth Care (voluntary context): 58 cs Youth Protection (non-voluntary): 115 cs Family members applied in 58 cs (12%) Principal Persons themselves in 45 cs (10%) Applications in 2008
All (nuclear) families involved have such severe problems that some form of action is required ‘Principal persons’ in these problems are: Children and young persons (and their parents) Adults Only 10% have no history of professional assistance Types of families involved
Children were ‘principal persons’ in 245 cases In sum 723 problems were mentioned: Educational incompetence/neglect: 130x Behavioral problems: 119x Divorce-problems: 85x Overburdened parents: 65x 471 cases in 2008
Adults as principal persons in 226 cases Adults problems related to children: 155 cases ( in sum 522 problems) Similar pattern of problems as children Exclusively adults problems: 71 cases (in sum 157 problems) Predominantly: finances, housing, illness. 471 cases in 2008
Mentioned as reason for FGC on application form 400 cases with related children and adults as principal persons: 1215 worries Education matters: 224x Dwelling: where should the child live: 182x Conduct of the child: 180x Main worries and questions
162 cases (34%) ended in the preparatory phase without a conference 31 cases: another positive solution unknown reasons in 20 cases In all other cases there were impediments such as non-co-operation, quarrels or absence of a social network. Phase 1 cases (2008)
309 cases resulted in a EKc Within three months after application: 84% 277 EKc’s concerned children as principal persons (in sum 887 problems) 32 EKc’s concerned only adults (in sum 75 problems) Conference cases (2008)
Duration of the conferences: Less than 8 hrs. (96%) Private time (to prepare plan): 1-3 hrs. Numbers of participants per EKc: On average 12.8 persons ( 3 to 50). Conference cases 2008
296 EKC’s resulted in a family plan (96%) In only 2 cases the professional applicant did not accept the family-plan. Reason: Family supervisor did not give his prior consent. Other reasons might have been: Plan is against the law or is considered unsafe for involved children. Results of the conferences
In 75% of the plans a.o. professional social assistance is requested; In 92% of the plans an evaluation-date is planned; In 86% of the plans an ‘emergency-plan’ is included as back-up in case of failure. When place of residence was a ‘worry’ in 27% of the plans residence was changed. Results of the conferences
In 90% of the EKc’s a follow-up inquiry took place within six months. Average nr. of persons interviewed: 3.2. Of all categories of involved persons: 40% say plan completely implemented. 50% say it was implemented partially. Around 10%: not implemented at all. Follow-up data
(65% respons) Average marks for the: conferences: 7.6 plans: 7.3 co-ordinator: 7.9 EKc-regional manager: 8.2 Evaluations of professionals
(74% respons) Average marks for: The conference: 7.7 Private time: 7.6 Plan: 7.8 Co-ordinator: 8.1 Professional applicant: 7.2 Evaluations of family and social networks
64% of the respondents said they had input in terms of information; 92% said they had asked everything they wanted to ask; 93% said they had their full say; 83% said they had contributed effectively to the plan; 86% said they were completely at ease. Evaluations of family and social networks
EKc’s speed up a dramatic decrease in problems within 3 months; referring professionals report slight improvements in safety and welfare of children involved within 3 and 9 months. Social cohesion within and support of the extended families/social networks increased. Less appeal to help agencies. Coping conduct and self-control increased It’s the Family’s move
Informations: info@Eigen-Kracht.nl Complaints: Blad@frg.eur.nl Thank you for your attention