Develop a plan for a specialized group, one that addresses the needs of a population-at-risk(i.e. Juvenile Deliquency) Guided by a brief literature review (3-4 articles from the professional literature), students will develop a plan for establishing and conducting a group.

Suggested outline:

1.Include a brief review of the literature. Include one or two paragraphs that provide an overview of group work with your chosen population. Address the following:
Clarify whether the literature suggests a didactic, interactive, supportive approach or a combination of the above. Are specific interventions/techniques suggested or are they believed not useful/to be avoided? Are there any recommendations for the size of the group? Does the literature anticipate dynamics specific to the group? What are the demands placed on the worker? What ethical or value issues should the worker consider?

2.Develop a plan/proposal for a group. Include the following:
Goals and Objectives: The primary focus of the group and the purpose/objectives of the group. Clarify how these advance the concerns of the population-at-risk.

Composition: Who will comprise the group? What needs will be fulfilled by the group? How many group members will be selected? Is there an ideal number suggested for this type of group? How will you prepare group members? Will members be interviewed individually prior to joining the group? What will members be told about the group; and how will they be informed? Who will lead the group? What kind of expertise (knowledge and skill) required to lead this kind of group? Are there any value or ethical considerations you should consider during this process? Discuss.

Structural Issues: Clarify the structural issues you’ll need to address. Who will be notified about the group? What kind of a meeting room is needed? What is the frequency, time and location plan for the group?

3.Discuss the group dynamics. What are the anticipated members and worker’s early expectations of the group experience? What dynamics might be expected for this particular population, based on your literature review? What is the anticipated worker’s role and activity level? Clarify specific anticipated interventions (lecturer, organizer, counselor, facilitator, educator, advocate), and to whom interventions will be directed. What and how will the worker need to prepare for the group (include knowledge and skill, materials, etc.)
4.Outcome evaluation. Briefly describe the method you will use to evaluate the progress of the group as related to its state goals and objectives. Clarify the methods you will consider, e. g., pretest-posttest, self-reports/family reports, worker’s assessment, other assessment tools. Identify if you will use short term and long term assessment strategies and how you will implement this. Clarify how this group experience might advance the needs and concerns of the population.