Stockport Councils Social Services, in partnership with the Childrens Fund, are launching a new service on
13th November that will help bring young people and their families together to talk about any problems they may be facing.

Family Group Meetings are an initiative originating in New Zealand. They encourage families to play a central part when decisions need to be made about the future of a child or young person.

The child will meet with their family and any other important people in their lives at a neutral venue chosen by the family. The purpose is to talk through difficulties they may be experiencing. This may cover a range of issues such as relationships, problems at school or offending.

Meetings are organised by an independent co-ordinator from the Stockport Family Group Meetings Project who can help the family with practical problems such as transport to and from the meeting, childcare etc. At the meeting the family work towards drawing up a plan for the future with support being offered by family members and any other agencies involved.

Councillor Martin Candler, Executive Member for Social Care and Health, said: These meetings are radical in their approach and handing power back to families enables them to make more effective plans for their children, focussing on the strengths of the family.

Until now, Family Group Meetings have only been available to families who have been referred through Social Services. However, thanks to funding from the Childrens Fund, from 17th November other agencies, such as GPs, Health Visitors, schools and families themselves, will be able to refer directly to the Family Group Service. It is intended that by holding meetings earlier, the service will be invaluable in helping to nip in the bud problems which may later reach crisis point.