BLACK OCHRE TRAINING
FORMALLY KNOWN AS SPIRIT DREAMING TRAINING & EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
ABORIGINAL TRAINING
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Family Group Conferencing
BSBOPS405 Organise meetings
CHCCCS009 Facilitate responsible behaviour
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) for Aboriginal families is a culturally appropriate decision-making process that brings together family members, extended kin, and other significant people to create a plan for the care and safety of children involved in the child protection system.
This approach aligns with Aboriginal values of collective responsibility and emphasises the importance of family and community in raising children.
Key Features of Family Group Conferencing for Aboriginal Families:
Family-Led Decision-Making
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FGC empowers families to take the lead in developing solutions for the safety and well-being of their children.
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It recognises that families are the experts in their own lives and better understand their needs, strengths, and cultural practices.
Cultural Sensitivity
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The process is grounded in Aboriginal cultural values, such as kinship systems, respect for Elders, and community involvement.
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Meetings are often facilitated by an Aboriginal or culturally competent facilitator to ensure cultural safety and respect.
Strength-Based Approach
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FGC focuses on the strengths and resources within the family and community rather than solely on problems.
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This approach helps families feel respected and capable of addressing the challenges they face.
Involvement of the Extended Kinship Network
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Unlike mainstream models, which may focus on the nuclear family, FGC for Aboriginal families involves the broader kinship network, including Elders and significant community members.
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This reflects the cultural understanding that raising children is a collective responsibility.
Time and Space for Private Family Discussion
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Families are given private time during the conference to discuss the issues and develop a plan without the direct involvement of child protection authorities.
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This respects the family’s autonomy and provides a culturally safe environment for decision-making.
Culturally Informed Plans
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The plans developed through FGC often incorporate cultural practices, such as connecting children to Country, kinship obligations, and participation in community life.
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They prioritise the child’s cultural identity and ongoing connection to their heritage.
Cost
$1500 + GST
Unit Requirements;
A combination of knowledge and simulated assessments, and case studies
14 hrs classroom study
22 hrs of self-paced learning
Benefits of FGC for Aboriginal Families
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Preserves Cultural Identity:
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By involving the kinship network, children stay connected to their culture, language, and traditions.
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Builds Trust:
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FGC fosters trust between Aboriginal families and the child protection system by respecting the family’s voice and culture.
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Reduces Out-of-Home Placements:
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FGC often identifies kinship care options, preventing children from being placed with strangers or in non-Indigenous foster homes.
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Supports Healing and Reconnection:
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By empowering families to take responsibility, FGC can help heal the intergenerational trauma caused by systemic racism and policies like the Stolen Generations.
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