1. Planning Groups Chapter 6
Group Work Practice
Planning Groups
Chapter 6

2. Focus Group Formation Ongoing Adjustments Future arrangements
Planning arks the beginning of the worker’s involvement in the group endeavor
(1) Forming the group
In forming the group, the worker focuses on the individual member, the group as a whole and the environment
(2) On going adjustments and forward looking arrangements that are made by leaders and the members as the group progresses through its beginning, middle and ending stage
This assessment, in turn leads to the refinement, adjustment and reformulation of treatment plans and to recontracting with individual members for modified treatment goals

3. Task Group Planning
All task groups planning models is the need for planning
Planning for task group membership so that the necessary resources and levels of expertise are built into the group
Preparing for the meeting

4. Planning Model for Group Work
Establish the group’s purpose
Assess the potential sponsorship and membership of the group
Agency sponsorship determines the level of support and resources available to the group
The assessment of potential membership helps the worker make an early estimate of group potential viability

5. Group Member Recruitment

6. Composing the Group
A homogeneity of members purpose and certain personal characteristics
A heterogeneity of member coping skills, life experiences and expertise
An overall structure that includes a range of the members qualities, skills and expertise
In addition, the worker should consider the issues of diversity, group size and whether membership will be open or closed

7. Group Orientation
Orientation may be designed for many purposes but three primary ones are:
Explaining the purpose of the group
Familiarizing members with group procedures
Screening members for appropriateness

8. Group Contract
Rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to remain part of the group
Applies to group members and leader
Contract must be accepted and endorsed by all members before the group begins
Once a group begins changes to the contract can have disastrous effects

9. Potential Contract Items to Include
Punctuation:
All members must arrive on time
Absence:
Members should contact the leader if they are going to be absent
Confidentiality:
What is discussed and revealed in the group stays within the group

10. Potential Contract Items to Include
Group Sharing
Expression of any and all thoughts is encouraged and accepted
Socializing
In some groups contracts caution against socializing with other group members outside of the group setting
Payment
For groups with costs associated rules about payment should be specified

11. Group Environment

12. Financial Arrangements

13. Written Group Proposal