Family talk
Family Talk is one of 5 pilot schemes in the country. Family Talk is a joint project based in South Tyneside and Gateshead. We are a Family Group Conference Project designed to support young people and families who are displaying signs of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and offending.
Each family that is working or referred to STEPP will be offered the service.
Family Group Conferencing is a very effective model for decision-making about children and young people. The meetings are convened and facilitated by the "Family Talk" Co-ordinator, who arranges a meeting of extended family and professionals in order to consider concerns and make plans to resolve the child's problems and meet their needs. The process is flexibly applied to each family's specific situation.
"Family Talk" gives families the opportunity to have their opinions listened to and acted upon. They have a great deal of control over their future, as they develop the plan, rather than the professionals involved, e.g. Social Workers, Teachers, Education Welfare Officers, Housing Officers, the Police …
We also work with victims or persons harmed by the behaviour or actions of young people. We allow victims to have their views listened to, feel that they have gained closure from the incident, feel that something has been done, and feel that the young person has done something to repair the harm caused.
Family Talk meetings are planning meetings for families, victims or persons harmed and professionals designed to find family led solutions to difficulties within a professionally supportive framework.
A Family Talk meeting should help you by giving families a focused plan for the future, which is led by the families and the child’s own needs. It provides an opportunity for the family to get the help they feel they need, and a chance for them to discuss their feelings with professionals so that they can help the family in the most appropriate way!
