AFRICAN CARIBBEAN BLACK FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCE (ACB-FGC)
The African, Caribbean, Black Family Group Conferencing Project, also known as ACB-FGC, is working to transform the way the child welfare system supports the wellbeing of African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) children, families, and youth by delivering culturally adapted Family Group Conferencing to ACB families and youth in the Toronto area.
CHALLENGE
While race-based data within Ontario’s child welfare system have increasingly highlighted differences in involvement and trajectories for Black families, there are gaps in understanding how to address these disparities. The ACB-FGC project was designed to address these disparities, reduce deeper involvement of Black children and families in child welfare (e.g., placement of Black children in out of home care), improve their experiences with child welfare workers, and improve outcomes for Black youth transitioning out of care and into independent living.
“Black children, youth, and families are overrepresented at every stage of involvement in the child welfare system – from investigations to ongoing service. Our model is more than an one-time intervention. We let families lead. We work with families on their timeline to broaden their support network – sometimes internationally - to ensure both immediate, and long-term stability for the children, their families and their communities.”
Dr. Bryn King, Co-Investigator
INNOVATION
Family Group Conferencing is an existing model of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) used to help streamline judicial processes and encourage alternatives to court for families engaged in the child welfare system. The ACB-FGC for Families and the ACB-FGC for Youth are restorative circles that bring family members, friends and others who care about the family and child(ren) together with child welfare representatives to plan for the safety and well-being of these individuals. ACB-FGC is an Afrocentric cultural adaptation, which builds from standard FGC models to meet the distinct needs of ACB children, youth, and families. It was designed with input from Black families, communities, and agencies so that it is relevant to the lived experiences and context of Black Ontarians.
“What makes our approach unique is not just in what we do, but in how we do it. From the lead researchers, to the clinicians, to our advisory table we are a Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organization. Black voices are at the centre of this work and as a result, we are constantly innovating to meet our communities’ needs.”
Dr. Lance McCready, Co-Investigator
To learn more, please email: fgcforacb@gmail.com
