NCJ Number
196515
Date Published
2001
Length
201 pages
Annotation
This manual provides information for group work with adolescents regarding violence in society.
Abstract
This program is most beneficial to most adolescents in community schools, community-based intervention programs, residential treatment settings, and in custody facilities. Individuals working with young people, such as teachers, child and youth counselors, recreation leaders, and mental health professionals, are in an ideal position to facilitate these group modules. The most important qualifications for leading these groups are enjoying working with adolescents; willingness to listen; ability to set helpful limits; and interest in learning of the effects of violence. Tips for facilitating groups are presented in section I. These include creating opportunities for participants to have fun; changing activities to meet the needs of the group; being flexible; showing respect for each group member; and leading with authority but avoiding authoritarian approaches. Twelve activity-based modules are presented in section II. Each module can be used as a “stand alone” group intervention or as part of a 12-module group program. Facilitators are encouraged to change the modules to match both facilitator and participant characteristics. The topics covered are the types of violence that occur at different levels of society; resistance and an invitation to participate; media violence; violence in the family; peer-to-peer violence; dating violence; and exploring personal positions on violence and the implications. The components of each module include goals, group outline, advance preparation and materials needed, overview, activity, and note to facilitator.