Frequently asked questions
and our best answersQuestion
Do you work for the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)?
Answer
No, I’m a neutral person that works for John Howard. I try to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and the meeting stays on track.
Question
Can you help figure out what I need to do to get my kids back?
Answer
My role is to facilitate meetings between you, your supports and social workers as a group. I can refer you to other professionals who can help you come up with a plan and support you to work toward getting your children back.
Question
What’s the difference between FCPC, FGC and YTC?
Answer
- Family Case Planning Conference (FCPC) is organized by the social worker. The social worker invites family members and community workers who are involved with the family. It is usually 90 minutes long and the purpose is for the family and workers to come together and create a short-term plan to address safety concerns.
- Family Group Conference (FGC) is organized by the Collaborative Planning Coordinator in consultation with the family and the social worker. The purpose is to bring family, professionals, and others who care about the children to talk and create a long-term plan that will support the children to be safe and to grow up to be healthy adults. The Coordinator will work with the family to develop a list of people who are important in the children’s life (i.e. parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, close friends, members of your church, teachers, doctors, counselors, etc.)
- Youth Transition Conference (YTC) is a meeting that helps to create a support network around a youth as they approach young adulthood and exit from MCFD (Ministry of Children & Family Development) care. It helps to identify the people in a youth’s life who will be there to support them after their nineteenth birthday. It may assist the youth to identify a plan for future goals.