Introduction

Using family group conferencing with vulnerable adults has been viewed for a long time as an idea with real potential. Why? Evidence from innovative practice in children's FGCs (documented elsewhere in this book), research from the Netherlands and policy developments in adult social care and mental health (which are dealt with in this chapter) have all been sources for optimism.

In 2010, the Making Safeguarding Personal Toolkit (Ogilvie and Williams, 2010) gave encouragement to those who were considering using FGCs with adults. It urged more local authorities to develop FGC work, throwing down the gauntlet, suggesting that a ‘routine offer’ for FGC could become part of practice in the future (Local Government Association, 2013). Like a slow train picking up speed there have been practice developments in the UK: a burgeoning practice network, a few established adult FGC services (some longstanding) and the application of the model across an increasing number of service user groups and areas of concern.

This chapter draws upon key research and writing on the use of FGCs with vulnerable adults. Key features of FGCs in adult social care will be addressed by the chapter – including its history, its current practice, and potential points of development. The research and feedback analysed here is encouraging, showing FGCs in adult social care to be both constructive and productive (Marsh with Kent Adult FGC Service, 2007; Camden Family Group Conference Service, 2015).

FGCs for adults: a sketch across Britain

At the time of writing (February 2017), established FGC practices vary widely in their length of operation, however the number of authorities running or considering running a service continues to grow significantly.

• • Birmingham has commissioned an Adult FGC service with ‘in house’ independent coordinators who, at the time of writing, are being trained and preparing to take their first referrals.

• • Camden added an adult provision to their FGC service in 2013. An evaluation of this service led to it being confirmed in place by the Adult Services a year later. Referrals have included young people with a disability who are transitioning to the adult services, adults with a disability and older people who require safeguarding. Thirty FGCs have now been held.

• • Dumfries and Galloway has commissioned Kalm Solutions to provide FGCs for vulnerable adults (Forsyth et al., 2013). They are currently undertaking a contract for 15 FGCs.