Like all standardized program models, Family Network has essential components; things that must be present in order for the conference to be a bona fide Family Network process. To ensure model fidelity and quality control, Family Network is trademarked with all materials copyrighted. Call us at 415-491-0708 ext. 11 to discuss how you can replicate this demonstrated-effective model of family conferencing.

The Four Cornerstones of Family Network

1. Principles and Practices –
   a set of attitudes and behaviors that express the values and assumptions that underlie Family Network.  They emphasize collaboration, non-clinical or jargon-laden conversation, family-driven processes, the value of divergent opinions and active listening.
2. Orientation and Preparation –
   the way we prepare everyone on the team to participate effectively on the conference team, starting with the family/client/person of focus.
3. Meeting Structure –
   Meetings are designed to support a decision making process of full integrity that is family driven and will yield sustainable plans and decisions. There is an Initial Meeting agenda and a Follow-up Meeting agenda.
4. Trained Facilitator –
   All Family Network facilitators are trained in CFRP’s facilitation model which emphasizes microskill development: the specific facilitator behaviors used to guide a group through an effective decision-making and problem solving process. Facilitators are neutral and are not involved in any capacity with the client other than that of facilitating their team meetings.

Key Features:

• The client/family selects the team members.
• The “family-driven process” is exemplified by the family taking the lead in setting the goals and in authorizing all team decisions as final.
• Family strengths are listed in the initial meeting and referred to as resources when setting and implementing plans.
• All team decisions are made unanimously.  Anyone can “veto” a decision which means the group must continue the discussion until a decision is crafted that everyone can live with.
• Teams meet more than once over a period of time determined by each team according to its needs. On average, Family Network teams convene 8 conference meetings.
• “Family private time” is conducted between meetings rather than during meetings.