80Family group conferences—criteria

80 Family group conferences—criteria (1) The director-general may arrange for a family group conference about a child or young person if satisfied that the family group conference may help to promote the wellbeing and best interests of the child or 1 if a family group conference agreement is already in force for the child or young person and the director-general considers that the agreement should be reviewed 2 if the child or young person is in out-of-home care and the director-general considers that a family group conference may promote the child’s or young person’s contact with their family members or significant people 3 if the child or young person is about to be released from a detention place and the director-general considers that a family group conference may help the child’s or young person’s transition back into the community (2) The director-general may also arrange for a family group conference about a child or young person if the director-general believes on (a) the child or young person is in need of care and protection; and (b) arrangements should be made to secure the child’s or young person’s care and protection. 1 The director-general has appraised 3 child protection reports in relation to a risk of significant harm to 2 year old Billy. Billy’s parents have longstanding drug and alcohol use issues. The director-general believes that Billy is in need of care and protection and arranges a family group conference involving Billy’s family members to formulate a plan for Billy’s care and protection. 2 Jane is 14 years old and frequently absconds from her parent’s home for extended periods because of conflict with her parents. The director-general believes Jane is in need of care and protection and arranges a family group conference to ensure Jane’s care and protection.

3 The director-general appraises a child protection report of sexual abuse in relation to 8 year old Sally. The director-general identifies a risk of significant harm by Sally’s stepfather and decides that Sally is in need of care and protection. The director-general decides to arrange a family group conference for Sally’s care and protection as an alternative to seeking a care and protection order for Sally.