Family Group Conferencing—Its Added Value in Mental Health Care

Abstract

Worldwide, there is a growing emphasis on reducing coercion and involving social networks in the care of mental health clients. Nurses should encourage their clients to regain control over their lives, preferably with less coercion and with help from their social network. During four years, a Dutch evaluation study was deployed to determine the applicability of mobilising help from social networks of people with psychiatric problems. Specifically the potential of Family Group Conferencing was examined. In this discursive article the question, ‘what Family Group Conferencing adds to the existing methods that aim to reduce coercion in mental health care and promote inclusion’ is addressed.