As our world experiences a rapid process of economic and social globalization, increasingly, group work is used in cross-cultural contexts. These contexts cannot be construed as neutral. When two cultures enter in contact, the playing field is rarely even: one culture is perceived as more “advanced” than the other. Too often the dominant culture belittles, distorts and eventually replaces the les powerful one. Because all cultures are receptacles of traditional wisdom, we all risk losing part of our common human heritage and the repertoire of ingenious human behavior may be diminished.

This presentation will challenge the assumption that the effects of group work are necessarily all positive or, at the minimum, benign. Dr. McNicoll will provide illustrations from her work with several groups of people, and will make suggestions for practice and a plea for dynamic investments into research on cross-cultural group work.

Room: Ambassador II Ballroom

Friday, October 22, 9:15 am - 12:30 pm

FRI 101

A MUTUAL-AID APPROACH TO DEALING WITH CONFLICT (“Who died and left you boss? ” -- Uh oh!) (Invitational Workshop)

Dominique Moyse Steinberg, New York, NY

Using seven key points as a framework, this workshop proposes to offer a forum for helping practitioners integrate into their practice a conceptual base and approach to intervening in conflict that will advance a group’s capacity to use its differences constructively. Through structured small-group discussion and role-playing strategies, participants will be given safe opportunities to reflect upon their personal views toward conflict, to assess the impact of their current approach on mutual aid, and to practice

interventions. Work-related handouts, a selected bibliography, and some authorized literature reprints will be distributed.

Chair: Jeanette Flowers

Room: Marquette B

Friday, October 22, 9:15 am - 10:45 am

FRI 102

SPECIFICS OF INTERVENTION IN THE PRE-GROUP PERIOD WITH SOCIALLY NON-COMPETENT POPULATIONS: ADAPTATIONS TO THE MAINSTREAM METHODOLOGY OF PRACTICE WITH SOCIAL WORK GROUPS (Paper)

Norma C. Lang, Toronto, ON

The paper identifies a special order of intervention necessary in work with socially non-competent populations in the Pre-Group Period. The interventions required in this period are intended to assist the constituents in developing the social competences needed to achieve group formation, and facilitate the progression to groupness. The paper presents materials on how to intervene, with what, when and why.

LIVING IN THE HERE AND NOW (Paper)

Rose Brancone, Hollywood, CA

Joan Parry, San Jose, CA

This focuses on a group of five members who are learning how to live in better ways in a crowded urban area. Some have completed anger management groups and are still willing to work more on themselves. The members are between the ages of 30-50. They are black and Caucasian, gay and straight, and have various problems. Presenters will describe in detail the group and each member in this workshop. The objective is to help participants understand working with poor and disturbed persons. The presenters will involve the participants in working out best ways to deal with angry members.

Chair: Norma Lang

Room: Joliet B

FRI 103

USE OF THE ARTS IN A POSTMODERN PARADIGM OF TEACHING (Invitational Workshop)

Mari Ann Graham, St. Paul, MN

Since all classroom teaching occurs in the context of a group, teaching itself is a particular form of group work. Critical, feminist and constructivist pedagogies are most effective when students are actively engaged in their own learning and with each other. Art forms such as music, poetry and film may be used to facilitate student engagement and higher levels of integration of course content when used intentionally as part of a postmodern paradigm of teaching. Participants will have the opportunity to actually experience this and explore ways of infusing these methods in their teaching.

Chair: Andrew Cicchetti

Room: Duluth B

FRI 104

GROUP PROCESSES IN BATTERERS’ INTERVENTION: MEMBERS’ AND LEADERS’ VIEWS ON WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT HELPED (Paper)

Arlene N. Weisz, Detroit, MI

Beverly M. Black, Detroit, MI

This presentation discusses the effective aspects of batterers’ treatment by comparing social workers’ and members’ ratings of salience and helpfulness of group elements. It also compares members’ helpfulness ratings according to their self-reported need for treatment. The presenters will present their findings in a lecture format, and will engage in dialogue with audience members about group work methods with involuntary clients. Presenters will share their survey instrument with attendees.

CREATING CHANGE IN ABUSIVE MEN: THE FACILITATORS’ PERSPECTIVE (Paper)

Michael George Chovanec, St. Paul, MN

This paper presents findings on a qualitative study examining the best practices from the group work facilitators’ perspective and to what extent these match interventions suggested by the stages of change framework. Findings will be compared to the social group work literature and implications for social work research and education discussed.

Chair: Naomi Mitchell

Room: LaSalle A

FRI 105

USING GROUPS TO BRIDGE DOMAINS IN CHILD WELFARE PRACTICE: INTRODUCING THE “GUY WITH THE TIE” (Paper)

Michael W. Wagner, New York, NY

Families receiving child welfare services, families providing resources for children in need of out-of-home placements and social service workers are each challenged by the complexity of permanency work and concurrent planning in foster care. Three groups have helped The Children’s Aid Society to bridge the gaps, avoiding “the guy with the tie” problems. Learn more about how these groups led to CAS winning a “Golden Heart” Award for Innovative Practices to Promote Permanency.

Chair: Kay Levin

Room: LaSalle B

FRI 106

TEACHING GROUP WORK PRACTICE SKILLS BY CREATING AND LEADING GROUPS IN THE CLASSROOM (Invitational Workshop)

Greg Tully, Miami Shores, FL

Teaching group work skills in the classroom is important. One skill-teaching process developed by the speaker will be demonstrated. It reaches across traditional group work classroom teaching boundaries by creating groups (for example, groups on women’s issues, parenting, health issues) during class sessions with the classroom students both leading and participating in the groups. Sessions participants who wish to take part in the demonstration will be invited to do so. This session should benefit students of social work as well as social work educators and practitioners.

Chair: Alice Lamont

Room: Cadillac A

FRI 107

DOCUMENTATION MATTERS: USING RECORDKEEPING SKILLS TO REACH ACROSS THE BOUNDARIES AMONG GROUP MEMBERS, FACILITATORS, COLLABORATORS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND INSTITUTIONS (Paper)

Carlean Gilbert, Chicago, IL

Does documentation of group work matter? What are the implications of HIPAA? Using a combination of didactic and interactive approaches, participants will enhance record keeping by: (a) identifying key components, (b) examining various purposes, (c) clarifying ethical, legal, and fiduciary issues, and (d) balancing competing goals of practitioners, organizations, and payers.

EXPLORING GROUP WORK CONCEPTS PRESENTED ON VIDEO IN AN UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH SMALL GROUPS COURSE (Paper)

John Mansfield, Mansfield, PA

This qualitative study examines the relationship between concepts taught in an undergraduate social work practice course with the concepts selected and modeled by students in a culminating videotape assignment. Eight videotapes were produced by 42 students. The results will be presented for discussion.

Chair: Michelle Maidenberg

Room: Cadillac B

Friday October 22, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

FRI 108

A SERVANT OF SEVERAL MASTERS: AN INTERGROUP INTERVENTION IN TWO HIGH SCHOOLS (Invitational Paper)

Charles Garvin, Ann Arbor, MI

David Bargal, Jerusalem, IL

This paper reports on a group program to enable high school students to peacefully negotiate the solution to inter-group conflicts occurring in their schools. The program was conducted as an action research activity in which the students, school staffs, and university personnel functioned as a team in developing, implementing, and evaluating the project. The paper reports on the inception and development of the project as well as some of the preliminary findings from qualitative and quantitative data that were collected. Implications for the development of group work to enhance inter-group relations are presented.

GROUP WORK WITH FAMILY COUNCILS IN NURSING HOMES (Invitational Paper)

Nida Donar, Detroit, MI

Faiza Najar, Detroit, MI

This workshop is about organizing family councils, using group work as an empowerment tool for families to enable them to assume leadership roles in those councils. Thus, these councils can reach their goal of improving the quality of life in nursing homes. This will be done through education, sharing of information, listening, support, teamwork and identifying short and long-term goals.

Chair: Charles Garvin

Room: Joliet B

FRI 109

BUILDING EVIDENCE-BASED GROUPWORK (Paper)

Susan E. Mason, New York, NY

The trend toward evidence-based behavioral treatment presents both an opportunity and a challenge for building an evidence-based group work database. To begin this process we must determine the extent to which group work can be categorized as evidence-based and denote the method of working within the evidence-based framework. The current protocol and how it relates to group work knowledge and skills is discussed.

FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE: A CLINICAL CASEWORKER’S SEARCH FOR THE MEANING OF GROUP PROCESS (Paper)

Anna Cohen, Brooklyn, NY

This presentation concerns itself with the learning experiences incurred on the journey from a casework treatment orientation toward an understanding of group process and its treatment benefits. The presenter will share with attendees the group work experiences that brought her from a casework perspective into a full appreciation of group process. Case discussions will involve a variety of themes including exploration of the learning process, movement towards understanding and trust in group process, the concept and birth of group life, cultural diversity and its impact on process and the role of the facilitator.

Chair: Barbara Muskat

Room: LaSalle A

FRI 110

USING GROUP WORK IN AN ANTI-BIAS CURRICULUM WORKSHOP (Paper)

Susan Rice, Long Beach, CA

This paper describes how group processes and activities were used to enhance the delivery of sensitive educational content on an anti-bias curriculum workshop that focused on services to Arabs, Muslims, and Southeastern Asians, in a post-September 11, 2001 sometimes hostile environment. Discussion of specific issues and difficulties is included.

SMALL GROUPS: A VEHICLE TO IMPLEMENT WRITING SKILL SUPPORTS FOR CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE STUDENTS (Paper)

Carol F. Kuechler, St. Paul, MN

Rochelle Rottenberg, St. Paul, MN

An interdisciplinary faculty team planned and implemented “Revisioning Social Work Education from a Diverse Perspective” Small groups served as a vehicle to form tutor-led circles focused on writing skill development and support for students, a simulation workshop for faculty, and a faculty-student dialogue. Our discoveries and evaluation will be presented.

Chair: Marvin Clifford

Room: Cadillac A

FRI 111

THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS: INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP WORK PRACTICE (Invitational Workshop)

Aaron Beckerman, New York, NY

Louis Levitt, New York, NY

Three years ago two retired social worker professors founded an organization called Rekindling Reform: A Vision of Quality Health Care for All. Rekindling Reform now has a list of over 50 sponsors representing social workers, nurses, physicians, educators, social scientists, labor leaders, community leaders, etc. The major objective of the workshop is to begin a dialogue as to how group work principles can be used to work with different professionals, groups and community leaders in the health field.

Chair: Laura Farley

Room: Cadillac B

FRI 112

BEST PRACTICES WITH ADULTS WHO STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS (Invitational Workshop)

Janette Shallal, Southfield, MI

Ted Goldberg, West Bloomfield, MI

Vivian Moore, Bloomfield Hills, MI

Describes the current challenges and struggles of adults with mental illness. Kadima strives to provide high quality service diversity, with extensive use of a diverse range of group treatment modalities. Group treatment methods and practices will be presented by staff and group members who will describe their personal experiences.

Chair: Alice Lamont

Room: Duluth B

FRI 113

AN INTERNATIONAL GROUP WORK PANEL (Invitational Workshop)

Tim Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Lita Allen, Kingston, JM

Mark Doel, Sheffield, ENG

Hisashi Hirayama, Tokyo, JP

Paule McNicoll, Vancouver, BC

Phu Tai Phan, Hayward, CA

Sonia Spelters, Dusseldorf, DE

Panelists will address key areas of similarity and differences in-group work practice, and the challenges that group work practice must meet in each cultural area and national identification. The outcome will be to identify core group work principles that cross all boundaries.

Chair: Tim Kelly

Room: LaSalle B

Friday, October 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

FRI 114

SOCIAL GROUP WORK: FIVE KEY COMPONENTS OF SUPERB PRACTICE (Invitational Workshop)

Roselle Kurland, New York, NY

By identifying, examining and illustrating common mistakes made by social workers in their work with groups, this workshop aims to enhance workers’ skill and comfort in social group work practice. Based on the common mistakes that are identified, five elements that are essential to effective practice with groups will be explored. Participants will look at how to actually put these key components into their own group work practice.

Chair: Roselle Kurland

Room: Joliet B

FRI 115

MUTUAL AID IN THE CLASSROOM: INFUSING GROUP WORK ELEMENTS INTO A FIRST-YEAR MSW PRACTICE CLASS (Workshop)

Shantih E.Clemans, New York, NY

This workshop describes a 14-week semester and the use of various techniques to mirror group work practice while maintaining the objectives of the curriculum. Workshop participants will learn the rationale for dividing each class into separate segments: “check-in,” “Topic of the Day,” and “Interactive Exercises.” Specific mutual aid elements--for example, peer writing groups--will be addressed.

Chair: Marcia Cohen

Room: Marquette B

FRI 116

PRESERVING SOCIAL GROUP WORK’S PAST: ORAL HISTORY TRAINING (Workshop)

Janice Andrews-Schenk, St. Paul, MN

Sonia Abels, Costa Mesa, CA

This workshop provides training for social workers engaged in or interested in conducting oral history research. Oral histories provide opportunities to hear and record a person’s own experience, whether a social group worker or other figure. Oral history interviews require knowledge, skill and sensitivity to individualize the process.

Chair: Sonia Abels

Room: Duluth B

FRI 117

RACE DIALOGUE: TOOLS TO PACK FOR THE JOURNEY ACROSS BORDERS (Invitational Workshop)

Lila M. Cabbil, Detroit, MI

Bringing people together to discuss race demands a strong commitment from both the leader and the participants. Self-examination starts the journey. Strict attention must be paid to creating a safe environment using trust and respect as cornerstones. Understanding the cycle of oppression and dissecting the roots of fear are critical tools. Authentic dialogue is essential to establishing authentic relationships across racial borders.

Chair: Lila Cabbil

Room: Cadillac A

FRI 118

GROUPS AS A MEDIUM FOR REDUCING SEX OFFENDER RECIDIVISM (Paper)

Steven Hartsock, Morgantown, WV

Karen V. Harper-Dorton, Morgantown, WV

This session presents a cognitive behavioral approach for working with sex offender groups. Presenters discuss a model of mandated treatment tactics, treatment outcomes, and case examples. Concerns of boundaries, co-therapists, ethics, and benefits of group experiences for socially isolated offenders and inappropriate behaviors raise rich opportunities for research and practice.

I’M GONE WHEN YOU'RE GONE: HOW A GROUP CAN SURVIVE WHEN ITS WORKER TAKES A LEAVE OF ABSENCE (Paper)

Joanna Pudil, New York, NY

What to do when the group leader needs to take a leave of absence. Learn the steps that were taken by the original and interim leaders of an adolescent and young adult HIV+ support group to ensure a successful transition.

Chair: Mark Doel

Room: Cadillac B

FRI 119

GROUP COLLABORATION FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION (Paper)

Beverly M. Black, Detroit, MI

Arlene N. Weisz, Detroit, MI

This presentation describes the steps taken to form group collaboration between a community agency and university faculty to evaluate a group treatment program for male batterers. It includes challenges facing group collaborations and suggestions on how to facilitate such collaboration to maximize the benefits for the partners.

CROSSING BOUNDARIES FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE TO CLINICAL RESEARCH: TRANSLATING THE CLINICAL SKILLS OF GROUP WORK INTO FOCUS GROUP RESEARCH. A CASE STUDY ON A SARS RESEARCH PROJECT USING FOCUS GROUP METHODOLOGY (Paper)

Robin Gearing, Toronto, ON

Ted McNeill, Toronto, ON

This presentation is designed to assist clinical group work practitioners into becoming clinical researchers by transferring practice experience and their existing skill sets into an effective and recognized research methodology. The clinical expertise and knowledge developed in working with groups, uniquely position practicing social workers to become research clinicians able to effectively engage in focus group research. This presentation will draw from a SARS research study that utilized focus group methodology to provide the backdrop to this boundary crossing opportunity.

Chair: Ken Gordon

Room: LaSalle A

FRI 120

TALK IT OUT: A CASE STUDY OF THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN AN HIV-POSITIVE PEER SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN (Paper)

Joanna Hardis, Akron, OH

Timothy McCarragher, Akron, OH

This presentation will offer an overview of peer support groups, and how they have the capacity to meet the needs of disenfranchised groups, such as women living with HIV/AIDS. The role of the social worker in facilitating these groups will be discussed, and how the traditional paradigm of support group facilitation must be modified to best serve the needs of this population.

FROM SELF-HELP TO SOCIAL ACTION: A CASE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVERS CHANGING THEIR COMMUNITY (Invitational Paper)

Amy L. Coha, Portland, ME

This paper will discuss the transformation of a battered women’s support group to a social action group. The example used is the successful effort by a group of domestic violence survivors to change the police response in domestic violence cases. The activities were carried out by members of this mutual aid support group comprised of current and former residents of the sponsoring local domestic violence shelter.

Chair: John Ramey

Room: LaSalle B

Friday, October 22, 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm

FRI 121

GROUP WORK PRACTICE IN JAPAN: REACHING FOR CONNECTIONS (Paper)

Kasumi K. Hirayama, Hartford, CT

Hisashi Hirayama, Tokyo, JP

This presentation is to identify and report on similarities and differences in Japanese group work education and practice in comparison to North American counterparts, and to discuss what aspects of group work knowledge and skills are universal and what aspects are uniquely Japanese.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DISTANCE EDUCATION AND ON-CAMPUS GROUP WORK CLASSES (Paper)

Cheryl D. Lee, Long Beach, CA

Joanne Coe Regan, Long Beach, CA

A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was used to evaluate the efficacy of teaching group work practice through distance education (DE). Sixty-seven students (DE and OC—On Campus) were tested on knowledge, skills and values. There were no differences between the groups. Teaching group work practice through DE was supported. We will discuss this study as our experiences teaching group work as well as distance education course.

Chair: Tim Kelly

Room: Cadillac B

FRI 122

THE ART OF GROUP WORK PRACTICE WITH MANUALIZED CURRICULA (Paper)

Maeda J. Galinsky, Chapel Hill, NC

Mark W. Fraser, Chapel Hill, NC

Mary A. Terzian, Chapel Hill, NC

Craig S. Schwalbe, Chapel Hill, NC

In this paper, we explore opposing views on the use of manualized curricula in social group work practice. Some group workers denounce the use of structured activity guides and protocols, while others advocate their use. We explore how manualized curricula can be employed with a measure of flexibility and adaptability. Divergent viewpoints will be solicited from session participants, and practice principles, rooted in the art of group work practice, will be described.

CROSSING EDUCATIONAL BOUNDARIES USING SOCIAL GROUP WORK METHODS IN ANY CLASSROOM, ANY SUBJECT (Paper)

Louise R. Kerlin, Detroit, MI

Alice Lamont, Detroit, MI

Both “whole class” and small work groups present challenges and opportunities. Opportunities: work groups in the classroom, either temporary or permanent, facilitate experiential learning. Research indicates that participation maximizes retention. Challenges: many “whole class” groups are highly effective; some are problematic. Alertness to transference and counter-transference phenomena informs the instructor’s understanding and intervention with both types. An interactive learning experience for all present will simulate a classroom experience, and encourage participants to debrief their experiences and to apply the content of the session.

Chair: Charles Garvin

Room: Marquette B

FRI 123

THE DANCE OF PARTNERSHIP: WHY DO MY FEET HURT? STRENGTHENING THE PARENT- PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIP (Invitational Workshop)

Janice Fialka, Huntington Woods, MI

This interactive workshop explores the unique challenges faced by professionals and parents with children with special needs as they form partnerships. Participants gain insights about what complicates this working relationship and identify strategies which promote the partnership. The presenter uses her experiences as both a social worker and parent of a child with a cognitive impairment to guide the discussion.

Chair: Ted Goldberg

Room: Duluth B

FRI 124

GROUP WORK ACROSS SOCIO-CULTURAL BOUNDARIES: PRACTICE ISSUES WITH HAITIANS INFECTED WITH HIV/AIDS (Paper)

Michelle P. Maidenberg, New Rochelle, NY

The presentation will focus on: (1) cultural awareness about the Haitian community (i.e., their class related values, cultural-related values, belief system, traditions, willingness to accept assistance, etc.), (2) issues related to the HIV/AIDS Haitian population that may confront group practice, and (3) suggestions for group leaders working with this population.

OUR YOUTH ARE OUR FUTURE (PAPER)

Tom Reynolds, Toronto, ON

Roslyn Levy, Toronto, ON

The YTC youth leadership model is developed upon a philosophy of empowering youth to make decisions about what works for them in order to reach their objectives, not upon models developed by adults. In this presentation we will describe what the YTC model is and discuss the social group work theories that apply to this model. It has become a vehicle for social change and utilizes principles of social group work today.

Chair: Arlene Weisz

Room: LaSalle A

FRI 125

REVISITING THE LAB: USING MUSIC AS A MEDIUM IN GROUP WORK PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH (Invitational Paper)

Susan Ciardiello, New York, NY

Antonia R.G. Alvarez, Ypsilanti, MI

At the 22nd AASWG Symposium, Susan Ciardiello's presentation of a project called The Lab, formulated in a NYC group home, stimulated the creation of a related effort in

an Ann Arbor, MI teen center. Presenters will describe their experiences creating The Lab and the Youth Owned Records (YOR) music studios for the purpose of working with youth, and will provide examples of some of the products and processes involved.

“TELLING IT”: GROUPWORK ACROSS AGES AND CULTURES, DEVELOPING STORIES AND MUSIC WITH HOMELESS CHILDREN

Antonia R. G. Alvarez, Ypsilanti, MI

A discussion of the successes and challenges of this innovative group literacy project that encourages homeless children 6-11 years old to use writing as a tool for expression. The university-based project also includes teens and adults from a local community center who have worked with the children to create three original CDs of their writing.

Chair: Carol Kuechler

Room: Cadillac A

FRI 126

SESSION ON STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS

The Standards present students, practitioners, educators, and institutions with the AASWG’s perspective of the values, knowledge and ethical framework necessary to engage in professionally sound and effective social work practice with group in the community. This session provides the opportunity for Symposium attendees to hear updates on and offer feedback regarding the most current thinking and written work around the Standards.

Chair: AASWG Board Representative

Room: LaSalle B

FRI 127

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY GROUPS (Workshop)

Kathleen Ransome, Dearborn, MI

Linda Tanielian, Detroit, MI

This workshop will introduce a cognitive behavior treatment model developed and refined over the past 10 years. We will present the cognitive model and then its application in specific group treatment. These particular groups are psycho-educational and treatment-focused.

Chair: Beverly Black

Room: Joliet B

Saturday Plenary Buffet Breakfast 7:30 am - 9: 00 am

SAT 200

Plenary Presentation 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Joan Pennell, PhD, MSW, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

CULTURAL SAFETY, FAMILY VIOLENCE AND GROUP WORK

Social work with groups is a bicultural context of intervention. As a profession, we bring a culture of ethics and commitment to change in our engagement with groups. Whether group facilitator or group supporter, the worker takes part in a bicultural exchange with participants, each holding their own values and traditions. Differences in views are likely to emerge when the group addresses family violence; and tensions can escalate when the participants are connected to each other by family, friendship, or community ties. In groups addressing domestic violence and child maltreatment, how can the group advance a sense of cultural safety in which participants can express their own views? What are the aspects of cultural safety that come to the forefront as the group develops? How is cultural safety linked with physical and emotional safety? How can this bicultural and often multicultural exchange create opportunities for understanding, safety, healing, and growth?

Room: Ambassador II Ballroom

Saturday, October 23, 9:15 am -12:30 pm

SAT 201

DEVELOPING THEORY FROM YOUR PRACTICE IN SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS: A WORKSHOP FOR PRACTITIONERS (Invitational Workshop)

Norma C. Lang, Toronto, ON

The workshop is intended to help practitioners to cross the boundary from practice to putting practice knowledge into a form that can be shared with the wider profession. Skills already possessed by the practitioner are re-oriented to the task of framing practice knowledge for contributing to the knowledge base of the profession of social work. The workshop will identify ways in which the challenges and anomalies in a given practice can open inquiry and evolve processes leading to extensions of practice theory. It will include presentation, simulation, and a first hand experience of participants developing a small piece of practice theory together. In order to do justice to this content, the workshop will require three hours, and participants are asked to attend for the full time period.

Chair: Norma Lang

Room: Marquette B

Saturday, October 23, 9:15 - 10:45 am

SAT 202

IT’S BETTER IN A GROUP: LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY! (Paper)

Deborah Johnson, West Hartford, CT

Joy Krauss, West Hartford, CT

Nancy Newcomer, West Hartford, CT

Deborah Rogala, West Hartford, CT

Edna Comer, West Hartford, CT

Led by a social group work instructor and four MSW students, this workshop will provide participants an opportunity to explore avenues for sustaining and advancing social group work practice through education. Findings from a questionnaire administered to a group of current MSW students and alumni regarding motivational factors for choosing group work, effectiveness of education in preparation for practice and post-graduation experiences will be the basis for the discussion.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS (UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES, UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD) (Paper)

Paul Johnson, Portland, ME

Bruce St. Thomas, South Portland, ME

This workshop will demonstrate how, through play activities and art, children can be assisted in dealing with unspeakable loss. The first part of the workshop will examine a number of relevant theories that stress the importance of play and the use of art materials in helping children reveal their inner most feelings. This modality is much easier for some than trying to put their feelings into words

Chair: Karen Harper-Dorton

Room: Cadillac B

SAT 203

TEACHING GROUP WORK THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN A GROUP QUILTING ACTIVITY

(Invitational Workshop)

Lois Garriott, Detroit, MI

The presenter will describe, discuss, and demonstrate the use of quilting as an assigned activity in a group work class, designed to help students experience and learn about group process. Students created quilt squares in groups, and then wrote reflective papers describing and analyzing the group project. As part of the workshop, the class quilt will be displayed, and participants will create quilt squares and consider the potential use of this activity in various teaching and practice settings.

Chair: Alice Lamont

Room: Duluth B

SAT 204

CHALLENGES OF TEACHING GROUP WORK IN A MASTER’S PROGRAM AS AN ONGOING INTERACTIVE EXPERIENTIAL GROUP (Paper)

Kay Goler Levin, Chicago, IL

Carlean Gilbert, Chicago, IL

Al Ross, Chicago, IL

There are different models for teaching group leadership and group dynamics within the classroom setting. This workshop examines various models and compares/contrasts the problems and benefits of the interactive-experiential model. Participants will be familiarized with key theoretical concepts and practical applications in the classroom setting with specific attention given to the integration of the role of the teacher with the role of group leader.

USING THE SOCIAL GROUP WORK METHOD TO EMPOWER AT-RISK ADOLESCENTS: PRACTICE AND TEACHING STRATEGIES (Paper)

Marvin W. Clifford, New Orleans, LA

This presentation will emphasize intervention to help at-risk adolescents in groups. Theory, techniques, case presentations and role plays will be used to illustrate concepts. Audience participation will be encouraged. Practice suggestions, diversity, evidence-based research and classroom teaching in group work courses will all be focused on. Handouts will be provided. The concepts of empowerment and adolescence will be emphasized.

Chair: Steven Hartsock

Room: Joliet B

SAT 205

BLUEPRINTS FOR AWAKENING DESIRE: THE “GIRL TALK” HEALTHY SEXUALITY GROUP PROGRAM (Workshop)

Maura McIntyre, Toronto, ON

Naomi Mitchell, Toronto, ON

Designed for new and experienced group workers (men and women) interested in doing sexual health and puberty education with girls in schools, the objectives of this workshop are: to provide a space where participants can feel safe considering their own values about healthy sexuality education; to de-stigmatize desire and reframe it as an integral aspect of sexual health; to facilitate a series of interactive exercises we use in “Girl Talk”; and to assist practitioners to feel inspired to do healthy sexuality group work.

Chair: Rochelle Rottenberg

Room: LaSalle A

SAT 206

HEALING THE RUPTURED BONDS THROUGH GROUP WORK (Workshop)

Adele Pat Cibart, Santa Clara, CA

This workshop will present an overview of a visitation program for incarcerated mothers and their children. The small group dynamics create a safe new family where mothers learn their children’s need to feel loved and heal from the trauma caused by their mothers’ incarceration.

Chair: Ashley Owen

Room: LaSalle B

SAT 207

WHEN CAN WE PLAY? NEGOTIATING A BALANCE BETWEEN CONTENT AND PROCESS IN GROUP WORK WITH CHILDREN (Invitational Paper)

Barbara Muskat, Toronto, ON

The growing trend in evidence-based programs has presented a challenge for group workers. There has been a significant increase in the development of manualized group curricula which allow for improvements in treatment fidelity and replication. This workshop will use the presenter’s experience leading groups for children with learning disabilities to analyze the tension between delivery of manualized group curriculum, processing conflicts in-group and the desire of group members to be allowed to play.

CROSS SECTOR COLLABORATION AS A GROUP WORK STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY PROBELEM SOLVING AND NEW FUNDRAISING ACCESS

(Invitational Paper)

Edward S. Egnatios, Detroit, MI

City Connect Detroit, using state-of-art technology and a group work-based tool of collaboration, has attracted almost $50 million in new funding to address community problems. This presentation will describe collaboration as the main vehicle for City Connect Detroit’s success; demonstrate the capacity-building search engine offered to

its members to identify and access new funding; and present several successful cross-sector collaboratives currently facilitated throughout the city of Detroit.

Chair: Maeda Galinsky

Room: Cadillac A

Saturday, October 23, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

SAT 208

AN ANALYSIS OF GROUPS IN CONSUMER-CENTERED PROGRAMS FOR CONSUMERS OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (Paper)

Charles Garvin, Ann Arbor, MI

Cheryll Bellamy, Ann Arbor, MI

Critical to psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) is the empowerment of consumers as they move toward recovery from psychiatric illness. Two common PSR services are Clubhouses and Drop-in Centers. This paper reports on an analysis of narratives of 38 groups meeting in these programs written by staff of a project examining many of the aspects of such programs. This analysis portrays the kinds of activities conducted by the groups, the nature of group facilitation, and the processes that occurred. Characteristics of groups that were more and less successful are identified. Illustrations of the groups’ dynamics are provided.

GROUP WORK EDUCATION AT RISK IN THE CLASSROOM AND IN THE FIELD: PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF FOUNDATION STUDENTS (Paper)

Jay Sweifach, New York, NY

Martin Birnbaum, New York, NY

Heidi Heft LaPorte, New York, NY

This presentation explores a selection of issues and problems that may arise when group work students are supervised by field instructors and taught by instructors who do not have social group work knowledge and training.

Chair: Charles Garvin

Room: Joliet B

SAT 209

USE OF ACTIVITIES IN FOUR STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT TO ILLUSTRATE HOW THERAPLAY INFORMS THE SOCIAL WORK WITH GROUPS METHOD OF WORKING WITH CHILDREN (Workshop)

Alison H. Johnson, Louisville, KY

Sherry Fairchild, Commerce, TX

The authors compare and contrast the mutual connections of two group therapy approaches for children, using play activities as a central feature. They highlight historical roots, guiding principles and common themes, and integrate Theraplay’s uses of play into Social Work with Groups’ way of working with children. They will demonstrate applications in activities suited to the four stages of group development (beginning/connection, chaos, intimacy/work, and ending).

Chair: Kathleen Ransome

Room: Duluth B

SAT 210

A GROUP TO REMEMBER: WORKING WITH ADULT MALE SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE (Workshop)

Robert H. Ericson, Jr., South Yarmouth, MA

This workshop will present some of the unique healing aspects, challenges, and clinical dimensions of long-term group work with adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including those abused by clergy. The presenter’s eight-plus years of experience in leading intensive, modified closed groups for adult survivors—including a retrospective account of one long-term group—will serve as an organizing vehicle through which to hopefully engage each other in a personally and clinically meaningful way.

Vicki Lynn Tankersley

Room: Cadillac A

SAT 211

REAL GROUPS: A CULTURALLY GROUNDED INTERVENTION

(Invitational Paper)

Veronica Peña, Phoenix AZ

Flavio Francisco Marsiglia, Phoenix, AZ

This presentation shares findings from a mixed-methods evaluation of a small group intervention designed to augment the prevention impact of a new, fifth-grade adaptation of keepin’ it REAL, a proven effective, culturally grounded, school-based drug prevention program. Evaluation results will be provided in addition to recommendations for practice and future research.

CREATING GROUPS FOR GROUP WORKERS: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT (Paper)

Ann M. Bergart, Aurora, IL

Shirley R. Simon, Chicago, IL

This paper will present a model designed to facilitate local interest-based networks of group workers. Three examples of its application will be presented. AASWG chapters are ideally positioned to use this model. The paper will describe how chapter educational events can serve as a springboard for the development of such networks.

Chair: Frank Sansone

Room: Cadillac B

SAT 212

“I’M IN MY SEAT, TEACHER”: DEVELOPMENTAL AND CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION WITH MEXICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN (Paper)

Joan Letendre, Lawrence, KS

Teaching children cooperative and helpful ways of interacting with peers and solving problems is one way of preventing aggressive behavior. In this presentation, the work of a Mexican-American group leader to foster mutual aid among third grade Mexican-American children in skill building groups is highlighted. The challenges of involving the children in discussion and problem solving while adhering to the time limits of a standardized curriculum are highlighted.

“TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN:” THE WHY AND HOW STRUCTURE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN GROUP WORK (Paper)

Tom Caplan, Montreal, QC

Harle Thomas, Montreal, QC

Structure promotes efficiently, safety, balance and optimizes the opportunity for all members to participate at their level of readiness. Indirectly, structure provides a “meta message” for clients’ behaviors in all of their interpersonal exchanges. However, overly structured sessions can appear impersonal and authoritarian, representing control from the group leader. Group structure is most effective when it represents relationships; permeable boundaries allow growth and validation to occur. A model format and case examples will illustrate these concepts.

Chair: Louise Kerlin

Room: LaSalle A

SAT 213

EXTENDING THE BOUNDARIES WITHIN FEMINIST GROUP WORK (Paper)

Pat Keyser, Saskatoon, SK

Terri Peterson, Saskatoon, SK

Throughout the years, feminism has played a key role in the analysis of domestic violence issues and guided the development of programs for women. This presentation describes a process of making changes to an existing domestic violence group for women in the spirit of an evolving feminist framework.

REACHING ACROSS BOUNDARIES WITH TEEN GIRLS: STUDIO 2B AND CIRCULAR FLOW (Paper)

Jann L. Hoge, Detroit, MI

Robert Mitchell, Jr., Detroit, MI

Tanya Barton, Detroit, MI

This presentation will describe a multifaceted program for a diverse group of Detroit-area teen girls. As a work in progress, we hope to stimulate a discussion of effective ways to achieve creative collaboration. Three presenters will share in the presentation and discussion, possibly together with several of the teen girls.

Chair: Mary Robinson

Room: LaSalle B

Saturday, October 23, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

SAT 214

A PILOT PROJECT: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY SERVICES, SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THROUGH INTERN GROUP WORK WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS (Workshop)

Joyce Hargrove, Springfield, TN

Cecil Stout, Clarksville, TN

Description and discussion of a project utilizing social work field interns to develop volunteer resources for the local American Red Cross.

Chair: Beverly Feigelman

Room: Duluth B

SAT 215

“WOULD’A, COULD’A, SHOULD’A”: INVITATION VS. IMPOSITION IN PROMOTING CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH GROUP WORK (Workshop)

Tom Caplan, Montreal, QC

Harle Thomas, Montreal, QC

This workshop describes implications by which “taking responsibility” is understood by group members, workers and clinical supervisors in violence, substance abuse and survivorship settings. Group techniques: validation, invitation, collaboration, safety, limit setting, self-awareness, praxis and compassion illustrate the idea that responsibility includes emotional, behavioral and relational responsibilities in addition to financial and career commitments. The ultimate goal of this workshop is to better understand the various meanings of responsibility and to identify the boundaries of such responsibility for the client, the therapist and for supervisors as well.

Chairs: Tom Caplan and Harle Thomas

Room: LaSalle A

SAT 216

DEVELOPING PRESENTATIONS: FROM IDEA TO ACTUALITY (Invitational Workshop)

Roselle Kurland, New York, NY

Alice Lamont, Detroit, MI

This workshop aims to help participants develop their ideas for possible presentations at future group work symposia (as well as at other conferences). Where ideas come from and characteristics of a good proposal will be discussed. Individual consultation will be provided to those who have ideas for potential papers and/or workshops.

Chairs: Roselle Kurland and Alice Lamont

Room: Cadillac A

SAT 217

CHAPTER CHAIRS’ WORKSHOP: MANAGING LOCAL CHAPTER TASKS USING AASWG RESOURCES (Invitational Workshop)

Michael W. Wagner, New York, NY

As the AASWG website continues to develop resources and links to information, local chapters are able to simplify tasks and streamline their work if chapter members are knowledgeable in the use of these resources to better manage their work. Chapter Chairs are invited to learn more about what is available and how to use it effectively. Strategies for supporting chapter life will be explored.

Chair: Michael Wagner

Room: Cadillac B

SAT 218

TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING: APPLICATIONS TO SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH GROUPS (Workshop)

Pauline G. Everette, Detroit, MI

This workshop is intended to acquaint social workers with a body of knowledge emerging from the study of tranformative learning, which will be useful in the planning, implementation, and facilitation of groups. Specifically, the workshop will identify and discuss learning activities and strategies found to promote tranformative learning. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an experimental activity that explores ethnicity while offering an example of a process that promotes tanformative learning. Participants are to select and bring an object (small may be better) that represents and will help them speak to their ethnicity.

Chair: Marcia Cohen

Room: Joliet B

SAT 219

WINDOWS ON GROUPWORK PRACTICE: CROSSING THE BOUNDARY FROM THE REAL LIVES OF 12 DIFFERENT GROUPS TO THEIR REPRESENTATION IN 12 GROUPWORK PORTFOLIOS (Paper)

Mark Doel, Sheffield, ENG

This paper presents the findings from a large action research project in which 121 staff working in a large human services department in England planned 67 groups, of which 53 were successfully completed. The project developed a group work portfolio to discover more about each of the groups. This is a unique archive of evidence and experience of group work practice. What can we learn from it?

GROUPS WITH INVOLUNTARY CLIENTS: WHAT IS NEEDED IN ORDER FOR GROUP MEMBERS TO ENGAGE (Paper)

Kay Goler Levin, Chicago, IL

The accepted models of group work are predicated on work with voluntary clients. This paper discusses individual theories, which work well to develop an accepting group within which involuntary members can engage and work on their problems.

Chair: Carlean Gilbert

Room: LaSalle B

Sunday, October 24, 2004

Sunday Breakfast Plenary 7:30 am – 9:00 am

SUN 300

Sunday, October 24, Plenary Presentation 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Michael Spencer, PhD, MSSW, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Dialogues for Diversity and social justice

This plenary will introduce the principles and objectives of dialogues for diversity and social justice, a group-based, facilitated method for promoting communication and bridging differences across groups of people who have a history of conflict or differing perspectives. The groups are typically identity-based and founded upon the principles of Paulo Freire and popular education. Dialogues are used in classroom settings to facilitate self-awareness and exploration, and in communities to promote coalition building and social action.

Dialogue groups are a pedagogical model of social justice education that incorporates small groups for the purpose of discussing difficult issues among individuals from social identity groups who have a history of conflict. These groups utilize peer facilitation with the goals of self-awareness, perspective taking, building bridges across differences, and social change/action. Dialogue groups were initially developed by the Program on Intergroup Relations, Community, and Conflict at the University of Michigan for undergraduate students. Dr. Spencer was one of the first to bring these groups to Master’s level Social Work students for the purposes of teaching content on diversity and social justice. Dr. Spencer has developed a course on the necessary skills to promote awareness and action around issues of diversity and social justice in their professional, familial, and social communities.

Room: Brule A and B

Sunday, October 24, 9:45 am - 11:15 am

SUN 301

PARALLEL PROCESSES: GROUP SUPERVISION OF GROUP THERAPY WITH CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS AND THEIR FAMILIES (Workshop)

Kim Harper, Windsor, ON

Jennifer Steadman, Toronto, ON

Examples of parallel processes between childhood sexual abuse therapy groups and their therapists’ supervision groups will be explored. Parallel processes are defined as the contemporaneous appearance of similar feelings, behaviors, and attitudes found in client and supervision groups. Identifying these processes can improve therapists’ skill and assist them in better understanding their own emotional responses.

Chair: Adele Pat Cibart

Room: Joliet B

SUN 302

TEAM TRAINING AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT (Invitational Workshop)

Sonia Spelters, Dusseldorf, DE

Suse Kunz, Koln, DE

Teams are very special groups! Our systemic approach to group work wants to give you the opportunity to experience a very lively and interactive way of teambuilding. We will raise up several situations, so-called “Zero-Points,” from where the group has to start and produce solutions for each challenge. Each participant has the chance to reflect on his/her “typical” way of behavior and discover new ways of acting. So, come and join us!

Chair: Ann Bergart

Room: Duluth B

SUN 303

GROUP WORK WITH FEMALE JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN A RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER (Paper)

Vicki Lynn Tankersley, Dallas, TX

The presentation will cover information on characteristics and techniques of group work with female juvenile offenders within correctional facilities. Issues to be addressed include: development and maintenance of group norms; stages within an “open-ended” correctional therapy group; methods of coping with problems; interesting and effective topics; utilizing youth members as co-leaders; counter-transference issues; and methods of promoting participation. The information presented is based on experience leading therapeutic groups of female juvenile offenders on their path of rehabilitation both within correctional facilities and within post-discharge.

IN THE MIDDLE: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STUDENT AND GROUP WORKER (Paper)

Karen Green, Shepherdstown, WV

Learn about how one BSW program is collaborating with a public school district to offer mutual aid groups led by social work students. The session will present a model for use as part of a group methods course, as well as steps for establishing a program in your community.

Chair: Lynne Mitchell

Room: Cadillac A

SUN 304

HELPING YOUTH CROSS THE BOUNDARY OF INDEPENDENCE: CONCEPTS, THEORY AND STRATEGIC DECISIONS FOR GROUP WORK WITH YOUTH IN TRANSITIONS (Paper)

Terrence T. Allen, Detroit, MI

This group work concept brings together theory and practice within the context of independent living programs. The presenter will interact with participants to assess the conceptual foundations and theoretical perspectives of the practitioners’ group work approaches, amplify the key strategic decisions they must make within their practice settings and identify the practical implementation issues their theoretical and practice orientations create within their practice settings.

NOT ALL FAMILIES ARE ALIKE: GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS AND HOW GROUP CAN BE USED TO BRIDGE THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE (Paper)

Jessica Millett Rosenberg, Brooklyn, NY

A presentation focusing on grandparent caregivers, an increasing family configuration in contemporary society--who they are, what issues they present with and how grandparent caregiver support groups can be an effective helping modality.

Chair: Henrietta Reaves

Room: Cadillac B

SUN 305

GROUP WORK, WRITING AND SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING VOICES OF URBAN YOUTH (Paper)

Sandy Parnell, St. Paul, MN

Mary Tinucci, St. Paul, MN

This presentation describes a program, “Student Author Night,” which uses social group work, writing and spoken word performance to empower the voices of urban youth and to build community between youth writers and school and neighborhood communities.

REFLECTIONS ON A CAREER IN GROUP WORK (Invitational Paper)

Helen Northen, Seattle, WA

This presentation will describe my long journey in discovering and elaborating the values, knowledge and skills of contemporary social group work and its place in the social work profession. It will conclude with a brief statement about the essence of my latest conception of practice with groups.

Chair: Virginia Crowthers

Room: LaSalle A

SUN 306

STRENGTHENING SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ASSETS OF LOW INCOME WOMEN THROUGH AN INVESTMENT CLUB (Paper)

Frank A. Sansone, Pensacola, FL

The Asset Development Group Model was developed with the idea that low income persons could benefit from the knowledge and skills of financial literacy and investing. Financial principles were learned using the group work tradition of a club as the vehicle to gain knowledge and skills in a mutually supportive, self-help educational group. A group of women in recovery formed the WI$E Inve$tor$ Club. This paper reports on the social and financial outcomes and lessons learned.

EVALUATION CAPACITY BUILDING IN A CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES AGENCY: PROMOTING PRACTITIONER EMPOWERMENT AND ORGANZATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH GROUP PROCESSES (Invitational Paper)

Kristin Kaylor Richardson, Detroit, MI

Representatives of Children’s Center, Detroit, MI

Group processes are an important part of evaluation capacity building within human service agencies. This presentation will discuss how internal evaluators can span evaluation-program boundaries through inclusion of treatment teams into framing, designing, implementing and using evaluation as a means to expand organizational learning and improve services for children and families.

Chair: Shirley Simon

Room: LaSalle B

Sunday, October 24, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

SUN 307

HOW TO RUN A SHORT-TERM DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP (Workshop)

Olga Molina, Miami Shores, FL

This workshop aims to help practitioners run short-term divorce support groups for men and women of diverse ethnicities and ages. It discusses the content that is appropriate to cover during the sessions. The mutual aid approach to working with divorce groups is emphasized. Divorce is increasingly cutting across all ethnic groups and persons of all socioeconomic levels. This is why we need to be knowledgeable about how to run groups with diverse members and how to enrich the group experience through its diversity.

Chair: Presenter

Room: Joliet B

SUN 308

THE USE OF “THE WIZ” AS A TEACHING TOOL FOR AN MSW GROUP PRACTICE CLASS (Workshop)

Denise Travis, Gary, IN

Deanna McDonald, Gary, IN

This experiential workshop is designed to introduce the participants to the use of “The Wiz” as a teaching tool for an MSW Group Practice Class. Participants will be given the opportunity to experience, analyze and synthesize the theoretical and clinical frameworks upon which this practice class was designed.

Chairs: Presenters

Room: Marquette B

SUN 309

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS: ADDRESSING COMMONLY- HELD MISGIVINGS ABOUT ADVENTURE-BASED GROUP WORK PRACTICE (Invitational Workshop)

Antonio G. Alvarez, Ann Arbor, MI

Christian M. Itin, Rochester, NY

As adventure-based practitioners, we have heard a wide variety of reasons why this approach isn’t feasible in given settings. Reasons have varied, and have included “space issues,” “lack of outdoor access", “lack of administrative support,” and “its inability to get to the heart of mental health work.” Come join us as we seek to debunk these myths.

Chairs: Presenters

Room: Duluth B

SUN 310

LINKING THE PERSONAL TO THE POLITICAL: SOCIAL ACTION GROUPWORK WITH NEWCOMER YOUTH (Paper)

Maya Roy, Toronto, ON

This paper will examine the theory and practice of facilitating social inclusion for newcomer youth. Various forms of popular education, theatre and spoken work provide excellent forums for consciousness-raising and addressing settlement needs. Maya Roy has facilitated groups for newcomer youth for the past five years at the Davenport Perth Neighborhood Center.

MICHIGAN CHALLENGE TO YOUTH AND COMMUNITY (Paper)

James J. Welsh, Muskegon, MI

This session will discuss techniques and types of groups used in a non-traditional setting to assist state-supported foster care youth to make a successful transition to independent living through developing necessary life skills. This experiential non-traditional program was tested in Maine in 2002. The program involved 12 boys aboard a traditional schooner sailing from Maine to South America, over a six-month period. Aboard ship, various groups utilized theoretical concepts found in Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and Bridge’s Transition Framework, which creates an understanding of the psychological process of transition. On shore, support groups were developed with mentors and marine organizations to support the returning youths’ responsible membership in society. As a result of and based on lessons learned, we are now adapting the concept to Michigan. The working title for this collaboration is the “Michigan Challenge to Youth and Community.”

Chair: Jay Sweifach

Room: Cadillac A

SUN 311

STRENGTHENING GROUP WORK THROUGHOUT A LARGE CITY-WIDE CHILD WELFARE AGENCY: AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

(Invitational Workshop)

Martin Birnbaum, New York, NY

Jessica Davis, New York, NY

Peggy Ellis, New York, NY

Barbara Jackson, New York, NY

Ben Kohl, New York, NY

Shanaz Mohammed, New York, NY

Marilynn Myles, New York, NY

Heide Rosner, New York, NY

Anna Smith, New York, NY

Described is how an initial proposal with recommendations to strengthen Group Work has become a reality through formation of an agency wide and community based Steering Committee supported by the agency Commissioner. A needs assessment that asks staff the extent to which groups are currently being used within the agency, what innovations in group work practice they think would benefit the services offered in their program and staff development that would support workers who want to form groups will provide future direction.

Chairs: Presenters

Room: LaSalle A

SUN 312

ESTABLISHING “COLLABORATORIES” FOR INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH: WHERE GROUP WORK COMES IN (Invitational Paper)

Robert M. Ortega, Ann Arbor, MI