Family decision making the model as practised in New Zealand and its relevance in Australia

Abstract

‘Practice Forum’ is intended to provide a forum for social work practitioners to share their practice with others; to describe what they are doing and assess its effectiveness. We extend an invitation to all social work practitioners to submit articles for ‘Practice Forum’ and we look forward to receiving your contribution. The model of family decision making arising from family group conferences is a product of the New Zealand Children, Young Persons and their Families Act 2989. Key aspects of the conferences are: 1. the utilisation of wider family networks to decide in conjunction with the group conference co-ordinator a plan that is in the best interests of the child, and 2. the change in emphasis of the social worker's role from major decision maker to a co-ordinator, facilitator and resource person. Australian child welfare practice is challenged to consider this model by highlighting the existence of extended families in Australia and the inadequacies of the substitute care system. The power differences in families, due to class and gender, must be considered when applying the model. A continuum of power between families and social workers is proposed as a way of understanding how they can work in partnership.