A Short-Term Model of Social Group Work with Adults

This paper describes a short-term practice model of social group work for adults that has a time span of 12 weeks. The group is led or co-led by MSW social workers. The model is flexible for use in most short-term practice settings, for example, family service agencies, hospitals, EAPs, HMOs or private practice. Client selection, group goals, composition, stages of group, and principles of short-term group practice are discussed. Role of the social worker and co-leading of social workers for the group are highlighted. Strengths and limitations of this model are also delineated. Specific emphasis upon social group work practice is a major theme of this paper. Teaching considerations for this model and other models are discussed. Group work theory and evaluation are also covered.