The Family Envisioning Meeting (FEM)

Role of the Family in PCP

PCP recognises families as the cornerstone of a child's support system in special education. Families are active partners in the educational process, bringing valuable perspectives that enrich the planning and implementation of tailored educational strategies. Schools collaborate closely with families , ensuring skills are generalised at home and learning goals reflect the child's needs, interests, and preferences. PCP empowers families to work with schools in planning for their child's life beyond SPED education, aligning educational strategies with long-term aspirations.

The Family Envisioning Meeting (FEM) is a crucial component within the PCP framework, providing a structured platform for families to articulate their vision for their child's future. This process empowers parents to advocate effectively for their child's interests and aspirations, ensuring that the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) is aligned with the child's aspirations. By fostering open dialogue between families and educators, FEM facilitates the development of comprehensive ITPs that holistically address the child's evolving needs, from current educational requirements to future life skills and community integration.

FEM Process in PCP

FEM is a person-centred planning meeting that brings together the student and significant persons in his/her life to collaboratively plan for his/her future. FEM embodies person-centred thinking and planning, placing the student's unique voice, aspirations, and needs at the forefront of the conversation.

Key stakeholders, including caregivers, family members, school staff, key professionals and others close to the student, are involved in this collaborative process, contributing their insights while maintaining the student's autonomy and centrality during the conversation.

FEM is first conducted as part of Transition Planning in the year of SPED schooling when the student turns 15 years old, and is pivotal for the development of the student’s first ITP.

The FEM process consists of 5 steps that guide the school in a conversation with families to plan and prepare for future goals. Click here for the 5 steps of FEM!

Watch FEM in action!

You may find the FEM video in bite sizes here!