Family group conferences originated in New Zealand in 1989. They differ from conventional procedures for making decisions about juvenile offenders and youth in need of protection and care in several of their values. These include respect for the integrity of the family unit, including the extended family; strengthening family and community supports; sharing power between the government and families; creating opportunities for parents to feel responsible for their children and themselves; and demonstrating sensitivity and respect for families' cultures. For family group conferences on juvenile offenders, additional central values include providing opportunities for crime victims to have redress and a voice in how those who have offended against them should be handled, as well as holding offenders accountable for their actions and for making amends. Individual chapters explain the goals, objectives, outcomes, and effects of family group conferences; the activities before, during, and after such a conference; their use in different countries; and major issues concerning their use. Figure, index, and chapter reference lists