Family Group Conferences as an alternative to Initial Child Protection Conferences for families on the Child...

When children are at risk of significant harm due to abuse or neglect, local authority children's services in the United Kingdom intervene to protect them and support families. This usually involves an initial child protection conference, a multiagency meeting that includes parents but rarely children or extended family. Families often experience initial child protection conferences as shaming and exclusionary, with limited focus on building sustainable plans. Family Group Conferences are a strengths-based, family-led forum used widely in children's social care. Safeguarding Family Group Conferences are an adaptation developed in some English authorities to replace initial child protection conferences, giving parents, carers, children and wider family networks a stronger voice in decision-making.

This study summarises findings from three linked peer-reviewed publications. It explored: How Safeguarding Family Group Conferences can be adopted and embedded (research question 1); What outcomes matter to families, children and practitioners (research question 2); Which families, under which circumstances, might benefit (research question 3).

A realist evaluation was carried out in three parts. First, an implementation strand, in which eight local authorities considered the feasibility of introducing Safeguarding Family Group Conferences, supported by workshops, peer reflection and expert input. Second, a theory development strand, shaped through consultations with practitioners, parents and care-experienced young people, identified meaningful outcomes and mechanisms. Third, in three pilot sites, researchers observed practice, interviewed families and practitioners, and collected data to test how the model worked in real-world contexts.

On implementation (research question 1), findings showed that successful uptake depended on leadership, strong engagement with partner agencies, resourcing, timing and having a dedicated lead. Implementation in child protection requires systemic, multilevel approaches with collaboration across agencies. On outcomes (research question 2), stakeholders identified key benefits, including greater family and child participation in planning, reduced negative experiences, improved safety through more tailored plans and better family relationships. Longer-term hopes included fewer children entering care, and more being placed with kinship carers if they did. Experiences of families and practitioners (research question 3) emphasised the value of involving wider family networks. This supported families to create more robust safety plans and gave professionals a clearer picture of children's lives. However, challenges included practitioner confidence in making referrals, and the need for clear oversight to ensure ongoing support after the conference. Limitations in the sample size meant it was not possible to fully answer research question 3 regarding which families might benefit.

The study was limited by difficulties in implementation, a small sample of families and practitioners, shortened follow-up, and participation restricted to authorities in the South of England.

The study demonstrates both the potential and challenges of embedding family-led approaches in child protection. Safeguarding Family Group Conferences can reduce stigma, empower families and strengthen child protection planning, but realising these benefits requires investment, systemic commitment and careful attention to practitioner support and oversight.

This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR131922.