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Family Group Decision Making
Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) is both a philosophy and set of operational models. Each is rooted in a variety of empowerment approaches to social issues, emphasizing family and community capacity-building. The philosophical bases of these approaches are that good outcomes are achieved largely through the meaningful engagement of individuals in decision-making on issues that affect them.
The FGDM Program engages families involved in county social services in a preparation process and two primary kinds of meetings:
The preparation process gives family access to important information about the county’s safety concerns as well as general information about the child protection process, and/or juvenile court process.
Family Case Planning Conference is a facilitated meeting where county social workers and family members come together to exchange information and discuss the immediate next steps for county involvement with the family.
Family Group Conference is a facilitated meeting that asks participants to weigh the risk factors and participate in the development of a care plan for a child.
FGDM offers a safe and supportive place for families to make thoughtful and well-informed plans and decisions about their children.
FGDM is rooted in a set of core values, all emphasizing the inherent strength and capacity of individuals to solve problems that directly affect them. The values are:
- All families have strengths and all families have natural support systems
- Families are experts on themselves, and resources available in a family should be used first, supplemented by outside resources as needed
- Families deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and their cultural traditions honored
- Families can make well-informed decisions about keeping their children safe when supported
- When families are involved in decision-making, outcomes can improve
- A team is often more capable of creative and high quality decision making than an individual.
Eligibility requirements:
Families currently being served by Ramsey County Children's Services
or Washington County Social Services.
Contact person for Intake:
Contact Danielle Kuka at 651.266.4473 or danielle.kuka@co.ramsey.mn.us
How to make a referral:
A county social worker must refer your family for a FGDM meeting. Families are encouraged to contact their county social worker and ask him or her to refer them to the FGDM program. If you would like more information about the FGDM program or if you would like to request a meeting and do not feel you can contact your worker yourself, you are welcome to contact the FGDM program directly and we will try to answer your questions and will talk to your county worker for you.