Strengthening Family-Centered Decision Making Across Minnesota
Family Service Rochester continues to partner with counties and organizations across Minnesota to strengthen family engagement practices through its Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) Consultation & Training services. Drawing on decades of experience coordinating and facilitating family-centered decision-making processes, FSR provides consultation, coaching, and customized training that helps agencies build the skills, systems, and partnerships needed to meaningfully engage families in decisions affecting children and youth.
A cornerstone of FSR's approach is the belief that families and their support networks should play a central role in planning for their children. Through implementation support, facilitator development, practice consultation, and quality assurance guidance, FSR helps counties create processes that increase family voice, strengthen participation, and improve outcomes for children and families.
FSR's consultation work also focuses on helping agencies identify and address barriers that can limit authentic family participation. By incorporating strategies that engage extended family networks, relatives, and natural supports early in the planning process, counties are better positioned to develop sustainable plans that reflect the strengths, culture, and needs of the families they serve. As an independent and impartial partner, FSR helps create opportunities for more balanced conversations, acknowledging the inherent power dynamics that can exist between systems and families and supporting processes that foster trust, collaboration, and shared decision-making.
As interest in family-centered practice continues to grow, FSR remains committed to helping agencies develop effective, equitable approaches that ensure families have a meaningful voice in the decisions that impact their lives. Through consultation, training, and ongoing coaching, FSR is supporting counties in building lasting practices that strengthen family engagement and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.
