What is a family group conference?
Common question · Child Protection Law · New Zealand · 23 October 2026
General information from Lawmateanz
A family group conference (FGC) is a meeting under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 that brings together a child's family and whānau with professionals to make a plan when there are care and protection concerns.
The family has time on their own during the meeting to discuss the concerns and come up with a plan. Everyone, including Oranga Tamariki, needs to agree with the plan for it to go ahead.
You can bring support people and ask for an interpreter. You can also ask for legal advice beforehand.
Oranga Tamariki's website explains the process, and Community Law Centres can help you prepare.
Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.
Lawyer answers
Lawyers listed on Lawmateanz can answer this question. If you asked it, we'll email you as soon as it's answered.
Need help now? Get matched with a lawyerAre you a lawyer? Answer this question · List free on Lawmateanz
Related questions
General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.
Ask your own questionGet matched with a lawyer