Family Group Conferencing (FGC) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families

Strong families. Safe children. Culture at the heart of every decision.

At Yarning Crescent, we provide Family Group Conferencing (FGC) services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across NSW, facilitated through referrals from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

FGC is a culturally safe, Aboriginal led process that empowers families to come together, yarn, and create their own solutions for the care, safety, and wellbeing of children always with culture and kinship at the centre.

What is Family Group Conferencing?

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a structured, family-led meeting guided by an independent facilitator from Yarning Crescent. It provides an opportunity for families to:

  • Keep culture strong – ensuring children stay connected to Country, kin, and community.
  • Build on family strengths – recognising resilience and what’s working well.
  • Include every voice – parents, carers, children, Elders, and extended kin.
  • Create practical solutions – with clear actions that everyone agrees to.

Why is FGC important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families?

FGC is a respectful and culturally safe way to address challenges while strengthening kinship ties. It helps to:

  • Keep Aboriginal children with family and kin, avoiding unnecessary separation.
  • Honour cultural identity and community connection in decision-making.
  • Involve Elders and respected community members in guiding outcomes.
  • Support self-determination and empower families to lead their own solutions.

Who attends a Family Group Conference?

  • Parents and carers
  • Children and young people (where appropriate)
  • Aunties, uncles, grandparents, cousins, siblings
  • Elders and respected community members
  • DCJ caseworkers and other support professionals invited by the family

How to access Family Group Conferencing

Family Group Conferencing is funded by DCJ and cannot be accessed directly by families.

  • If you are a family, please speak with your DCJ caseworker.
  • If you are a DCJ caseworker or professional, you can contact Yarning Crescent directly to arrange a Family Group Conference for a family.

Our team will ensure the process is culturally safe, strengths based, and guided by family voices.

Why Yarning Crescent?

  • Aboriginal led organisation with strong community trust.
  • Experienced facilitators who respect kinship, culture, and community.
  • Safe yarning spaces where families can speak freely.
  • Solutions designed by families, not imposed from outside.

Contact us

If you are a DCJ caseworker or professional looking to arrange a Family Group Conference:

📧 Email: info@yarningcrescent.com.au

🌐 Contact us online: fill the form below