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.
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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
Quinn, W. H., & van Dyke, D. J. (2004). A multiple family group intervention for first-time juvenile
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.
For 12 weeks, the researcher administered group PCIT in different areas of Alabama. The parent(s) were observed the interactions and the researchers measured the stress levels of the parent and the children’s behavior. They found that across sessions, there was a significant decrease in child behavior problems (frequency and the number of disruptive behaviors). Because of this, parental stress also decreased and the parent-child relationship significantly improved by the end of the treatment. However, the caregiver did not engage in more prosocial behaviors or decrease negative ones, which are inconsistent with previous findings and the basis around PCIT. All in all, the study exemplifies how PCIT can be effective in group formats; the parents were very satisfied with the group. It is also beneficial, because it is more cost-effective which may entice more families to seek PCIT treatment. However, because the actual behavior (of more prosocial and less negative behaviors) did not decrease, it is important to look adapt PCIT when implementing them in group formats. For example, next time, the findings may be stronger if the researchers extend the length of the group, so that each family has adequate
One objective is to utilize the most powerful tool at psychotherapy’s disposal; the group experience. By one individual sharing their experience within the group, the other members are able to identify their similar experiences and work toward their own growth. Group therapy also increases self-awareness of clients in order for them to think introspectively in order to make a change in behaviors, increases social comfort, allowing exploration of new behaviors, provide and obtain support, develop communication skills, and promote interactions with others using truth and
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
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.
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).
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
Group therapy is considered one of the most resourceful forms of therapy. The benefits to group therapy can be both cost-effective and a great means of support (Corey, Corey & Corey, 2014). The process of experiencing ideas and viewpoints expressed by your peers allows group members to become more susceptible to the counseling procedure. Group counseling also helps individuals to feel a sense of belonging due to similar situations and experiences shared by the group. The sense of support from group members can be an excellent means towards developing long-lasting relationships and developing communication skills needed to move forward during the counseling phase. In this paper, I will discuss my experiences throughout the group-counseling phase.
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
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.
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