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Little of Family Group Conferences: The New Zealand Style

Justin Bell

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Published in Little Of Family Group Conferences New Zealand Style: A Hopeful Approach When Youth Cause Harm (Little Of Justice Peacebuilding)

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What are Family Group Conferences?

Family Group Conferences (FGCs) are a restorative justice approach that has been used in New Zealand for over 20 years. FGCs are a way for families to come together to discuss a problem and find a solution that works for everyone. FGCs are based on the principles of restorative justice, which focuses on repairing harm, building relationships, and empowering individuals to take responsibility for their actions.

Little of Family Group Conferences New Zealand Style: A Hopeful Approach When Youth Cause Harm (Little of Justice Peacebuilding)

Little Book of Family Group Conferences New Zealand Style: A Hopeful Approach When Youth Cause Harm (Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding)

by Allan MacRae

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1612 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	82 pages

FGCs are typically held in a community setting, such as a school, church, or community center. The conference is facilitated by a trained mediator who helps the family to identify the problem, share their perspectives, and develop a plan to address the issue. The plan may include things like counseling, anger management, or community service.

FGCs can be used to address a wide range of issues, including youth offending, child welfare, and family violence. FGCs have been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism, improving family relationships, and promoting healing.

The New Zealand Model

The New Zealand model of FGCs is unique in several ways. First, FGCs are typically held within 48 hours of an incident. This allows the family to come together while emotions are still raw and the memory of the event is still fresh.

Second, FGCs are facilitated by a trained mediator who is not part of the family. The mediator helps the family to stay focused on the issue at hand and to avoid getting sidetracked by personal attacks or blame-shifting.

Third, FGCs are outcome-oriented. The goal of a FGC is to develop a plan that will address the problem and prevent it from happening again. The plan may include things like counseling, anger management, or community service.

The Benefits of FGCs

FGCs have been shown to have a number of benefits, including:

* Reduced recidivism * Improved family relationships * Promoted healing * Increased victim satisfaction * Reduced costs to the justice system

FGCs are a cost-effective way to address a wide range of issues. They are particularly effective for youth offending, as they can help to prevent young people from entering the criminal justice system.

FGCs are a powerful tool for resolving conflict and promoting healing. The New Zealand model of FGCs is unique in several ways, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing recidivism, improving family relationships, and promoting healing. FGCs are a cost-effective way to address a wide range of issues, and they are particularly effective for youth offending.

Little Book of Family Group Conferences New Zealand Style: A Hopeful Approach When Youth Cause Harm (Little Books of Justice & Peacebuilding)

by Allan MacRae

4.4 out of 5