Implementation

Partnering With Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders - Facilitators' Guide

In Implementation:

Recruitment
Checklists and guidelines
Role of facilitators
Challenges

Checklists and Guidelines

“The proof is in the pudding.” That’s the test for cooking, but also for getting a support group up and running. You can have all the ingredients, but if they're not mixed properly, things might not turn out as well as you had anticipated. The importance of carefully planning for implementation cannot be overstated.

Setting up the group: A checklist

Secure a space that is adequate and available for the duration of the group.
Make sure that you have facilitators who are ready, able and willing.
Recruit participants and keep in touch with prospective group members as you prepare to start the group.
Ensure that participants are agreeable with the time and location, and can commit to attending at least 80 per cent of the sessions.
Determine the operating guidelines for the group (open or closed, rules for bringing in new members, duration of group sessions, whether to have a planned break, tasks and goals for each session).
Familiarize yourself with the group location. Make sure that the materials you need (flip chart, print materials, beverages and snacks, if these are being provided) will be available for each session.
Keep in touch with each group participant. Encourage members to send RSVPs. Call members who miss a session and encourage them to come to the next one.

Being open to continuing review is the vital complement to thoughtful preparation. Preparing your own checklist and updating it as you go can help you to bring an organized approach to facilitating a family support group.

Next >>>

Partnering With Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders - Facilitators' Guide

Implementation

Related Links