An Evaluation and Analysis of the Marriage Dance Program

Introduction

In this paper, a further evaluation and analysis will be conducted on the Marriage Dance (MD) group work conducted by Fei Yue Family Service Centre (FYFSC). Suggested improvements to some aspects of the practice are also mentioned.

MD was introduced by FYFSC as a response to the service gap in marriage enhancement for the non-religious. The use of group work as an intervention technique is an alternative method for empowerment as compared to individual casework. This is because social workers are able to teach members through the processing of group dynamics. Moreover, it also enables members to work on their perceived isolation of having to face their problems alone.

Pre-Group Work Planning

Using Kurland and Salmon’s model of planning for social work with groups, most of the eight components have been considered and covered adequately. This has ensured that MD has been able to run smoothly without much hiccup in between (Kurland and Salmon, 1998). However, I feel that three areas that need to be further addressed are those of purpose, structure and pre-group contact.

Purpose

MD was conceived with the intention of working with couples experiencing marital issues and want to work towards marital renewal, a greater level of intimacy and commitment to the marriage. Yet, couples who are on the verge of divorce may also participate, using this as a “last-ditch” attempt to save their marriage. Due to the range in severity of marital problems faced, discrepancies may arise when dealing with the couples. The result is a group purpose that is no longer clear cut and has become diluted so as to encompass the distinct goals of all members. It is essential for the workers of MD to evaluate and re-establish a clear purpose ...

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...ce indicators (KPIs). It was stated that workers currently evaluate the group work based on the KPIs of MD’s initial programme design. For example, the initial budget criteria was based in the weekly format and for the attendance of 12 couples not 6. In view of professional competence, workers should re-plan this budget as they are accountable for demonstrating that their proposed practice meets the stated criteria.

Risk of harm

Although there have been no instance of violent aggressive behaviour observed during MD, many of the couples enrolled in the programme have a history of domestic violence. As the safety of the members is of paramount importance, hence group leaders should still have a contingency plan if such a case ever arises. This may range from having to pull the violent member aside to calm down to more severe measures such as calling the police in.