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CHILDREN, YOUNG PERSONS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACT 1997 - SECT 36 Finalising family group conference

CHILDREN, YOUNG PERSONS AND THEIR FAMILIES ACT 1997 - SECT 36

Finalising family group conference

(1)  Before the facilitator declares the family group conference ended, a decision of the conference in relation to the arrangements for securing the care and protection of the child or in relation to the recommendations to be made to the Court must be put in writing and signed by –
(a) the facilitator; and
(b) each of the following persons who are attending the conference and concur in the decision:
(i) the child, if present and not excused by the facilitator from the obligation and, in the opinion of the facilitator, capable of participating in making the decision in an independent, rational and informed manner;
(ii) the child's advocate, if one is appointed;
(iii) the child's guardians, and other family members, if present.
(2)  The decision of the family group conference must include the following information:
(a) the names of the persons who attended the family group conference;
(b) details of the time and place at which the conference was held;
(c) if the conference was convened under section 30(1) , recommendations for the review of the arrangements for securing the care and protection of the child;
(d) if the conference was convened under section 30(2) , the recommendations to be made to the Court in respect of the matter referred to the conference.
(3)  As soon as practicable after a family group conference ends, the facilitator must do the following:
(a) if the family group conference failed to reach a decision, prepare a written report stating that fact and containing a summary of any proposals for recommendations discussed at the conference and the reasons, in the facilitator's opinion, for that failure;
(b) if the conference was convened under section 30(1) , provide a copy of the decision of the family group conference or the report referred to in paragraph (a) to –
(i) the Secretary; and
(ii) the child; and
(iii) any advocate or representative who represented the child at the conference; and
(iv) each guardian of the child; and
(v) any other person involved in implementing the arrangements for securing the care and protection of the child recommended in the decision; and
(vi) any other person the facilitator considers appropriate;
(c) if the conference was convened under section 30(3) , provide a copy of the decision of the family group conference or the report referred to in paragraph (a) to –
(i) the Court; and
(ii) the child; and
(iii) any advocate or representative who represented the child at the conference; and
(iv) each party to the proceedings.