PROVIDING GROUP WORK WITH FAMILIES WHO ARE UNDER DIFFICULT LIFE CIRCUMSTANCES

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the investigation of the group method in the work with families, who are under difficult life circumstances. The author describes the main directions of group work that are used in Ukraine nowadays, mainly focusing on work and directions that are provided by state social services. The article describes different types of group work, which can be used in work such as training, support or encounter groups, lections, art classes, etc. Two main topics discussed in the article are: how different types of group work can be used in working with clients, what purposes must be reached during this work, and what is the difference between different types of families and their behavior. The article also emphasizes the specifics of participant behavior, such as low motivation, refusals to work, and conflict behavior. There is a discussion of the difference in the topic of group work for different types of families. Encounter groups are obligatory for foster families, because they must raise their parental policy and improve their educational skills. For families, who have problems with the fulfillment of paternal duties, it is highly desirable to attend a group aimed at forming the skills of conscious parenting, which will help to form appropriate lessons for the organization of family life. For families, raising children with disabilities, group work can be used to develop family representations and, accordingly, change attitudes toward the child's disability and illness. It is emphasized that any group work is aimed at creating a support network between families, setting a positive example, promoting the creation of trusting relationships with professionals who provide social and psychological assistance, and improving the life situation of participants.