Co. Sligo
A Family Welfare Conference (FWC) is a structured, family led, decision making meeting, where as wide a range of family members as possible come together to formulate a safe family plan in the best interests of the child.
- Service is targeted at Child Welfare and Child Protection groups. A Family Welfare Conference (FWC) is a structured, family led, decision making meeting, where as wide a range of family members as possible come together to formulate a safe family plan in the best interests of the child. Essentially it is a method of family intervention that enables families to provide their own solutions to the difficulties they face. The conference is arranged and convened by the FWC coordinator for the family’s area and facilitates the involvement of the child, the family network and professionals in the whole FWC process. The role of the referrer at the conference is to provide information and offer consultation to family members rather than to influence or make decisions. The family will have private time during the FWC, without the professionals being present, to develop and agree their plan for the safe care, protection or welfare of the child. Their plan should be accepted, supported and resourced where possible. The only reason for rejecting the family plan is if it places the child at risk of significant harm, or if there are resource issues in the plan that cannot be met by the Agency.
- Sligo town and environs
- Sligo - north
- Sligo - south, east and west
- Leitrim - Carrick-on-Shannon and environs
- Leitrim - south
- Leitrim - north
West Cavan also covered
- Service provided at various locations throughout the area covered
- Free
- Through GP
- Through schools
- Through Tusla Child and Family Social Workers
- Through other Tusla services (e.g. Education Welfare Service)
- Through HSE services
- Through other statutory services
- Through other community / voluntary service
- Under-18s need parental permission
- Pre-birth
- Early years (0-4 years)
- Primary school age (4-12 years approx.)
- Post-primary school age (13-18 years approx.)