The Intersection between Family Group Decision Making and Systems-of-Care.

Source: (2005) American Humane FGDM Issues in Brief. Downloaded 1 December 2005.

Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is rooted in
the belief that families have shared history, wisdom,
untapped resources, and an unrivaled commitment to
their children — strengths that that can be leveraged to
create plans to promote children’s safety, permanency,
and well-being. The concept of FGDM was first
legislated in New Zealand in 1989, and took hold in
America in the mid-1990s . The American Humane
Association estimates that in 2004, over 200
communities in approximately 35 states had
implemented FGDM to improve outcomes for children
and their families.
An increasing percentage of children and
adolescents involved in the child welfare and juvenile
justice systems have emotional disturbances that
increase their fragility. Organized and coordinated
systems-of-care deliver mental health services and
support for children, adolescents, and their families.
Family group decision making and systems-of-care
share some similar goals.(excerpt)