Group Work with Populations at Risk

Group Work With Populations at Risk covers many of the specific populations that students, social workers, and other mental health professionals are likely to encounter in group work. Accessible and practical as well as scientifically and theoretically sound, the text provides a set of guidelines for students who will be called upon to work with groups of people facing important, contemporary problems. The text opens with an introductory chapter summarizing the generic core of group work method followed by 21 chapters, each written by a renowned expert who blends a detailed discussion of the needs and characteristics of a population at risk with theory and practice principles. Aiming to provide the necessary background for those who may not have much experience in working with groups or specific populations, the authors cover a wide range of populations, including substance abusers, juvenile offenders, abused women and children, their abusers, mentally ill and physically ill people, with separate chapters about people with AIDS and women with breast cancer. Each chapter presents basic information about the key issues for a specific population and outlines the ways in which general group work techniques can be applied to this population. A list of up-to-date references and current resources are also included.

Geoffrey L. Greif, Associate Dean of the School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore. Paul H. Ephross, Professor of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore.