Pathways and Outcomes: A Study of 335 Referrals to the Family Welfare Conference (FWC) Service in Dublin, 2011-2013

Conferencing methodologies seek a partnership approach between the statutory agency and the family system within which issues of care or protection of children have emerged. Over the last 25 years, we have learned a fundamental truth – that given respect, the right information, the opportunity and the support they need, family groups will move to protect and care for their relative children and do so in ways that continue to astound us. As such, conferencing is part of that worldwide movement towards what are known as ‘participation societies’. Such societies place high value on citizen equality, collectivity, diversity, participation, ownership and responsibility – concepts that resonate with the core values of social work.