Per Houser (2015) a program evaluation serves to “test theories, and develop practices and procedures” of intervention programs and it is intended for both the professional and scientific communities (p. 285). There are three types of program evaluations and they are based on program need, program implementation, and outcome of the program (Houser, 2015, p. 286). This paper will review the need, implementation and potential outcome of implementing a group counseling program for youth and their non-offending caregivers that have faced a trauma; after the completion of family sessions. Goals of the Program Evaluation When assessing the need to implement a combination youth and caregiver counseling program there are many goals one should consider. …show more content…
To analyze the data collected to determine the need for continued group counseling for children and their non-offending caregiver one could cluster the data to form a conclusion (Houser, 2015) (Hineline, 2017). Clustering of data will provide the researcher with an overall conclusion (Houser, 2015). Meaning, if multiple children and their caregivers display similar progress then a conclusion can be drawn about the need and success for the type of suggested treatment (Houser, 2015). To disseminate the information, it is important to include as much detail as possible (Houser, 2015) (Hineline, 2017). The researcher should include the method used, the sample size, how the data was collected and organized, and summarize the results of the program evaluation (Houser, …show more content…
283). Therefore; any counseling program wanting to make a real change should be held to the highest standards and be evaluated for current and future progress (Houser, 2015). As applied to this paper the population and the goals of the group counseling program should be clearly laid out. The definition of progress should be defined and if a specific timeline for progress is desired it should be made clear. Ultimately; conducting a program evaluation of the proposed program in this paper will demonstrate if the existence of such a program is working and if so then the evaluation can serve as a platform to ensure its
The purpose of this paper is to examine various instruments utilized to provide counselors with the most accurate assessment in family, couple and individual counseling. Nonetheless, this paper will also explore the interventions that are most appropriate for this case study. As it will further bring a better sense of awareness to the techniques used in family assessments.
Quinn, W. H., & van Dyke, D. J. (2004). A multiple family group intervention for first-time juvenile
Group counseling is a viable new option emerging in the school setting. It can be effective and cost-effective for the schooling system by addressing a larger number of students and can be used to address a multitude of topics that children often face. One benefit of group counseling in the school setting is that it teaches children important socializing skills with their peers, as students often learn best from each other (Pérusse, 2009). It provides support, assists with emotional and problem-solving skills, and empowers children to be help each other as well as receive help from their peers (Thompson, 2012). The group setting may be perceived as less threatening, it helps bridge the gap in trust for children by providing a safe environment in which children can connect with others, and it allows for interactions that builds on social skills and the development of empathy for others (Thompson, 2012).
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
The Family-Centered approach to care is important to the delivery of behavioral health services for children and adolescents because it involves the families in their natural environments and allows the families to make decisions about their care. It promotes home and community based care by creating an equal partnership with the family to ensure optimal delivery of care at all levels (Brewer, McPherson, Magrab, & Hutchins, 1989). For children with special health care needs, such as mental or developmental disorders, coordinating care between all services and people can help to introduce flexible and reasonable ways of providing the maximum amount of care to children and families (Brewer, McPherson, Magrab, & Hutchins, 1989).
The primary community resources that could be utilized to help individuals involved in child abuse cases are individual and family counseling, substance abuse treatment, anger management, and parenting classes (Wallace & Roberson, 2014, p. 230). Individual counseling would be offered to help the parent or caregiver work on personal development as it relates to self-exploration and functional behavior. Family counseling would be offered to help build and strengthen family ties. Furthermore, it would be offered to help the family resolve conflicts and improve communication issues. Often in cases of child abuse and neglect, substance abuse is a contributing factor (Wallace & Roberson, 2014, p. 230). Therefore, in cases where substances are being abused, inpatient or outpatient services would be provided. Abusers are typically unable to express their emotions verbally and resort to violence as a way of articulating their feelings (Wallace & Roberson, 2014, p. 230). As a result, anger management would also be an appropriate resource to help abusers learn strategies to channel their anger effectively. Another factor in child abuse cases is parent’s and caregiver’s lack of parenting skills (Hirschy & Wilkinson, 2010, p. 96). Offering this resource is an effective way to provide parents and caregivers methods to care for children properly. In addition, parenting
Webb, L. D., & Myrick, R. D. (2003). A Group Counseling Intervention for Children with
“Residential Treatment:What the Research Tells Us.” National Coalition for Child Protection Reform. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. .
... recidivism, and whether specific treatment and implementation strategies are more effective than others with youth transitioning from residential confinement back to their families and communities. Research has not shown that having a family-focused support program to be effective in some situations (Journal of Juvenile Justice, 2012).
During and post the data collection phase of this program evaluation; the program evaluation staff will compile the data in several ways. The program evaluation will be relatively brief given the small number of program participants, staff and financial amounts of financial information involved. No interim reports will be necessary as the process will be succinct. There will only be one email sent to the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, advising them the questionnaires have been sent out and the evaluation staff is waiting for their responses to proceed with that portion of the evaluation.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
This is where professionals engage directly with the individual or family unit to promote change and explore solutions to problems. These interventions include individual and family therapy, as well as case management is often utilized to help access resources for the family. These interventions help the individual and the family develop skills to improve their system. Interventions on the micro level require collaboration between the professional and the youth and their family. The collaborative partnership explores the interactions between family members and helps develop healthy interactions to form systems that function effectively together to get needs
There are many different techniques and approaches to group counseling. The approach that I found to be the most interesting is the existential approach. “The existential perspective holds that we define ourselves by our choices” (Corey & Corey, 2014, p.114). This approach can be successful in therapy because it allows one to oversee one’s future. In this paper, I’m going to generally discuss the existential approach to therapy and where it can be used.
Individual counseling, the client is working on personal issues without having to share with others, but only with the counselor that is there to reinforce patterns of behavior, or to help make any other personal adjustments. They are the focus of the session, without having to share the spot light with others. Many people are not comfortable talking in a group, especially issues that are hurting and need personal attention. Although not much differences have been shown to differentiate the effects of group counseling to individual counseling, a study done by Kalavainen et al., using a population of obese children showed that group therapy did benefit to help and support the child’s weight. “There were many therapeutic factors like group support, group learning and group optimism, which were linked with working in the groups and which most probably influenced the participants in the group program” (Kalavainen, Korppi, & Nuutinen (2007). Group support can be of advantage in many issues that people are trying to work out in
In reflection on my learning experience in the group class, I have gained clarity on what sorts of competencies of facilitating group therapy, as well as in what areas social workers and students tend to feel most strong in my practice. Regarding my specific gains in competencies, I feel that I learned the most and was most likely to gain specific group facilitating competencies at the weekly class. Learning in group class is taught me the tools to use to work with groups therapy, communities and also with individuals through the process of changes. In this past three months I think a lot of opportunities have been created to shadowing with (beside and behind) and being a part of group members to learn. In addition, this class has taught me about the skills and how effectively help