Vidya Menon 1224633

DEFINITION
Social group work is psychological process which is concerned no less with developing leadership, ability and co-operation than with building in the interest of the group for social purpose. Hamilton Group work is a method of social work practice by which individuals are served within and through small face to face groups, in order to solve their problems and bring about desired changes at the individual, group and community level. It recognizes the strength of social forces that are generated within small groups and seeks to mobilize them for change in the client. The practitioner consciously guides the composition, development and processes of the group for accomplishing his goals for each individual member and the group as a whole. He is thus constantly operating at two levels the client as an individual and group as a social system whose influence can be utilized to develop client abilities, modify self-images and perspectives, resolve clients and inculcate new patterns of behavior. The scope of group work can best be considered in two dimensions. Firstly, in its role in traditional programmes with their original purposes and, secondly, in social development. Both of these would be more illuminating in a historical perspective. Institutional and non-institutional services can be re-aligned providing more experiences in group living, with the background of the caste system and the joint family and the resulting insecurity in a fast changing society, group approaches are most invaluable in providing the sense of belonging and the accelerated learning that occurs within the group. Problems of poverty and lack of resources, combined with interpersonal and intrapersonal tensions can be so overwhelming that sharing these with others and seeking solutions jointly in groups is a method of problem-solving. The main features of the group work are : Group work is practiced with the group Based on humanitarian philosophy

 Examples:

To know the status of an individual with his group To obtain maximum information about the group To obtain integration between individual and group To know various factors involved in group life To know the available resources of the group To motivate the group for spontaneous progress The group work aims at to develop the leadership Aims for recognition of self-determination

Social group work with parents: A variety of circumstances can undermine a parents capacity adequately to care for a child. The need of a child is the main area of concern. The areas where group focuses are.. Providing information about child development, health, hygiene, safety and so on; Helping parents reconsider and reframe age-inappropriate expectation and

misattribution. Enhancing the quality of child-parent relationship, for eg. Teaching play skills, structuring the day so that they set aside some time for them and their child(ren). Developing parents ability to monitor and track their childrens behviour and respond appropriately, including the management of challenging behavior Building up support networks.