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Groupwork as a Response to a Structural Analysis of Child Abuse

NCJ Number
123440
Journal
Children and Society Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1989-1990) Pages: 345-362
Author(s)
A Mullender
Date Published
1990
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Groupwork is discussed as an alternative to traditional family counseling techniques.
Abstract
This paper concerns intervention alternatives in cases where parents physically abuse their children. In many instances, physical abuse is a symptom of structural pressures rather than personal deficiencies. Specifically, groupwork is examined. Families that share similar difficulty with the social structure attempt to resolve their problems together with groupworkers' guidance. The traditional model focuses on individualistic explanations of each family's problems. The groupwork approach is advantageous in that families are made to feel that they share similar problems and their definitions of society are similar. A case study is provided to illustrate the success of the intervention technique. Results include the removal of children's names from the child protection register and families' increased social skills and ability to function more successfully in society. 24 references. (Author abstract modified)