Family Group Conferences

Before the Family Court can make a final care or protection order, a Family Group Conference (FGC) must be held. Unless there is an urgent need, the Family Court proceedings cannot move forward until an FGC has been held.   

A family group conference (FGC) is a formal meeting. If urgent applications have been made to the Family Court under the Oranga Tamariki Act or Oranga Tamariki intends to make an application to the Family Court, but it is not urgent, an FGC must be held.

The purpose and the rules are set out in the Oranga Tamariki Act. An FGC being held can be started by a social worker, police officer, or by request of three members who attended the previous FGC.

There are two pathways to an FGC:

  1. 1. First, where a social worker or police officer believe that tamariki are in need of care or protection. That is, they believe that the tamariki have been seriously harmed or are at risk of serious harm. They report their concern to the FGC Co-ordinator who must then organise an FGC.
  2. 2. Second, when a social worker does not believe that tamariki have been seriously harmed or are at risk of serious harm but think that a plan is needed to help the tamariki and whānau.

Both pathways provide the opportunity for whānau and Oranga Tamariki to work together on a plan.

More information about Oranga Tamariki

Oranga Tamariki

Family Group Conferences (FGC's)

FGC Care and Protection Co-ordinator

Access to tamariki in care

Subsequent children/tamariki

Special Guardianship

Information Sharing