Evaluation of the African Caribbean Black Family Group Conferencing (ACB-FGC) Project

Background and Purpose: The Family Group Conferencing (FGC) mediation framework has been utilized by families navigating the child welfare system for many years, but it has yet to be uniquely modified in ways that adequately support Black families and the intersections of their identities. There is limited research examining culturally relevant ADR processes tailored to the unique needs of Black families within the Canadian context and a dearth of research on the ways in which a Black-led approach to Family Group Conferencing (FGC) can support the integrity and/or reunification of Black families at risk of involvement or currently involved in the child welfare system. This research study seeks to address these critical gaps by evaluating a culturally responsive FGC model designed exclusively for Black families in Ontario.

Methods: The study employed a formative evaluation approach to assess the effectiveness of the African, Caribbean, Black Family-Group Conferencing (ACB-FGC) Project. Formative evaluation research triangulates multiple sources of data collected through quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate the design, implementation, and participation in the program with the goal of identifying possible barriers and generating solutions that enhance efficacy and impact. For this evaluation, an evaluation tool comprised of both quantitative and qualitative questions was administered during survey interviews with 24 family members who participated in ACB-FGC between 2020 and 2021.

Results: The findings indicate that families found the approach and their coordinator to be very helpful and the majority of participants consistently endorsed that the believed the process would help their family (83%), that they had enough time to prepare (83%), and that they felt as though the process gave them a voice in the process (83%). In their comments, participants highlighted the contributions of support, increased clarity, and empowerment for Black families involved in child welfare who are looking for alternative and culturally responsive ways to address child protection concerns. They emphasized the ways in which the process contributed to “being heard” and “having a voice,” which was a departure from their previous experiences with child welfare.

Conclusions: The FGC process was well-received by participants, who recognized its ability to support and empower Black families. The high levels of trust and satisfaction reflected in the results emphasize the program's success in meeting its objectives and creating positive outcomes for families. There is strong evidence to continue and expand the initiative.