Therapeutic features of the family group conference model when applied for long-term social assistance recipients

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore long-term social assistance recipients´ experiences with family group conferences (FGC). Fifteen Norwegian long-term (> 6 months) social assistance recipients whom had arranged an FGC were interviewed. There were nine men and six women, age 24–64 years. The findings show that the FGC may have therapeutic features when applied in a social service context. Three features associated with family/network therapy were found: Self-disclosure, dialogic communication and improved family relationships. The possible therapeutic function of the FGC when applied for adults is potent in a social work context, as solving family conflicts and/or improving family interaction may be a prerequisite in order to achieve other desired changes among many long-term social assistance recipients.