Abstract for presentation at Global Social Work 2004

Components of Effective Group Work Interventions

  • Mrs Toni Mehigan, Community Training Australia/James Cook University, Australia
  • Ms Dianne Rogers, James Cook University/ADD Support Group North Queensland, Australia
  • Philippa Harris, Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland, Australia

    • 3 hour Workshop
    This workshop will focus on components of quality group interventions using Learner?s Permits for Parents as a model. This program was developed over a period of two years with input from individuals, families, agencies and professionals. The program centers on compassionate, realistic and enjoyable support and empowerment for marginalized parents who are experiencing a mental illness and or have children with ADD/ADHD, ODD or Conduct Disorders.
    Congress participants will journey through a range of interactive activities, which demonstrate:
    1. Debriefing and acknowledgment of individual stories
    2. Relevant information and respectful education though use of visual aids and amusing cognitive/behavioural group teaching tools
    3. Novel affordable relaxation and arousal reduction strategies for family members
    4. A smorgasboard of behaviour management techniques for the child and parent under stress
    5. Boundaries activities
    6. Resourceful networking for family preservation
    7. Relational activities which bring safety, security and social nourishment
    Congress participants will have opportunity to reflect on and add to the activities experienced in order to provide each other with as many memorable tools for working respectfully and effectively with marginalized individuals through group program work.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd