Family Group Conferencing Canberra
A structured, respectful process that puts decision-making back in the hands of the family, with the right support around them.
Decisions made by the family
Family group conferencing is a facilitated process that brings a family together to make important decisions themselves, rather than having those decisions made for them. A trained facilitator guides the conversation and holds the structure, while the family does the deciding. It is built on a simple belief: that families, given the right support and information, are best placed to find solutions that will actually work for them.
Every conference runs within clear guidelines and agreed ground rules, sometimes described as above-the-line behaviours, so that everyone can take part safely and be heard. The facilitator keeps the process fair and respectful, and steps in if things need steadying, so the focus stays on finding a way forward.
Two ways it is used
Family group conferencing is used in a range of settings where a family or community needs to make decisions together and move forward.
Family decision-making
Where a family needs to make significant decisions together, such as arrangements for the care and safety of a child, or planning care for an ageing or disabled family member. The process is considered in line with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural values of family and community responsibility, recognising the central role of extended family in caring for one another.
Restorative justice
A restorative approach can bring together those affected by harm or an offence, in a safe and carefully facilitated setting, to understand its impact and agree on how to repair it. The focus is on accountability, healing and a constructive way forward for everyone involved.
The benefits of conferencing
When families are trusted to lead, the decisions that follow tend to be stronger and longer-lasting. Conferencing can:
- Put decision-making back with the family
- Give everyone affected a genuine voice
- Draw on the strengths within the family
- Build agreements the family owns and will keep to
- Reduce conflict and improve communication
- Keep children and vulnerable members at the centre
- Respect cultural values and family responsibility
- Support accountability and repair after harm
- Create clear, workable plans for the future
Meet Darleen
I am the founder and director of DIPAC, which I established in 2009. As a nationally accredited mediator and family group facilitator, with around 25 years of practice, I have guided many families and groups through difficult decisions. My role in a conference is to hold a safe, fair structure so that everyone can be heard, and the family can find its own way forward.
- Australian Counselling Association
- AIFLAM
- Mediation Institute of Australia
- Nationally Accredited Mediator
- Family Group Facilitator
- NDIS Provider
- Accredited Private Health Provider
Bring your family together
If your family or organisation is facing a decision that would benefit from a structured, supported conversation, we are here to help. In person in Canberra, or securely online across Australia.