What is a Family Group Meeting?
A Family Group Meeting (FGM) is one of the main ways the Department of Child Safety works with families to create a safe and stable plan for children. If you’ve been invited to an FGM, it means the Department is seeking your input and that you have a voice in what happens next.
At Kalo Legal, we help families across Townsville and Queensland feel prepared, informed, and supported before, during, and after their family group meetings.
What is the Purpose of a Family Group Meeting?
The main goal of an FGM is to develop or review a case plan. These meetings are a structured but collaborative way for families to:
Hear the Department’s concerns
Talk openly about what’s happening in the child’s life
Identify support options and workable solutions
Create a plan that prioritises the child’s safety and wellbeing
It’s not a courtroom, it’s a space to work together. That said, it’s still a serious process and you should have a lawyer attend the meeting with you.
Who Will Be at the Meeting?
The meeting is usually facilitated by an independent Family Group Meeting Convenor. Other attendees may include:
Parents or guardians
Carers (including foster or kinship carers)
Extended family or cultural representatives
The child (if appropriate)
Child Safety officers
A support person (friend, family member, or lawyer)
It’s your right to bring someone with you for support, and we recommend speaking with a lawyer beforehand so you feel confident and prepared. See who we can help in a child protection matter if you want to know more about the different people we support.
What Can I Expect During the Meeting?
An FGM usually includes:
Introductions and explanation of the process
Presentation of the Department’s concerns
Private family time to discuss the concerns and propose solutions
Agreement on the case plan, which outlines goals and actions
Your views and suggestions are important. If you have concerns or ideas about how to best support the child, this is the place to share them.
Do I Have to Agree to Everything?
No. You can voice disagreement or ask for changes. If something in the proposed plan doesn’t feel right or realistic, you’re allowed to speak up. A lawyer can help you advocate for what’s fair and practical.
Why is the Meeting Important?
The outcome of the meeting - the case plan - may guide future decisions, including whether your child remains in your care or is returned to your home.
A Family Group Meeting is your chance to work with a Child Support lawyer and others to create a case plan that keeps your child safe. It’s a space where your perspective matters and your participation can shape what happens next.
If you’ve been invited to an FGM, contact Kalo Legal. We’ll explain what to expect, help you prepare, and make sure you go into the meeting with confidence and support.