Describe the necessary planning that must be made prior to the start of a group you would be interested in leading One type of group that I would like to run would be a treatment group with individuals that suffer from substance use disorder or eating disorders. The planning model for group work has many procedures to guide workers through this process. Throughout this process there are many procedures that can run simultaneously or one step might influence the action of the next step (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Establishing the group's purpose is the first step; it includes information on the issues that the group will address, the goals of the group, and how the group can work together (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Since the group would be held in a treatment facility assessing the members of the group, recruiting members, composing, orienting members to the group, and contracting would be established by the facility. Preparing the environment for group work should take into consideration the room size, furnishings, technology, atmosphere, special need requirements, and financial means. Next, one should review evidence-based literature when planning a treatment group. By reviewing literature one can learn how to monitor and evaluate the progress of the group. Monitoring the groups change in progress and process can help it stay goal orientated (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). In a treatment setting group, one should check in with the members before or after each session to ensure accountability. Finally, if the facility offers telehealth services, then one should plan distance groups for the members that can not travel to the facility. Explain how the preparations you made would positively affect the process of a group you might lead Preparations can positively affect the process of the group because is guides the purpose of the group, the needs of the members, and what the objective is (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). These preparations can also help ease any anxiety and lack of confidence or inability that comes along with running a group. With a guide and some preparations one can feel more prepared than not when running a group. Reference: Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Describe the necessary planning that must be made prior to the start of a group you would be interested in leading. To achieve effective results with group work, the professional must develop the group after diligent planning and evaluating throughout the group processes. Toseland & Rivas (2017) explains the two distinct parts of the planning process as first forming the group and its concerns then the ongoing adjustments made by the group leader as the group progresses. A group I would be interested in leading would involve children or youth who are challenged with a circumstance I have experience with, one I am educated on processing, and one that would benefit the individual's ability to navigate through group work. A group that comes to mind with these elements would be forming a group of youth who have divorced parents or parents who are beginning the process of separating. A parent divorce or separation can bring up many emotions for children, they may feel confused, or alone with processing the situation. If I had contact with youth experiencing parental separation or clients of divorced parents, I could focus on each individual and assess whether I feel they would benefit from a group setting of peers navigating a similar circumstance. Toseland & Rivas (2017) writes of the importandce for workers forming a group to focus on individual's, the entire group, and the group environment. This focus will ensure every individual understands the expectations and goals for group work, the purpose of the group, and the environmental influences on the group. I will work with the youth during the beginning stage to plan what we wish to accomplish through group work. With the group I chose, youth of separating parents, I would focus on achieving peer understanding, individual emotional and mental assessments, and effective strategies for navigating familial changes. I would verbally contract with this youth group to establish group procedures and members individual goals of group work. Toseland & Rivas (2017) writes during contracting, the worker can specify attendance requirements, confidentiality of discussions, or other rules governing behavior in the group. When working with youth it will be important to establish expectations and tone for group work to achieve effective results and constructive environment. Explain how the preparations you made would positively affect the process of a group you might lead. Workers need to properly plan for intervention strategies to effectively serve individual's and groups when considering group work. With careful consideration of the purpose for the group, individual needs within the group, and the incorporation of evidence-based literature, the group and individual members will experience positive results from the process of group work. Toseland & Rivas (2017) presents a model for planning groups beginning with establishing group purpose then working toward composing, contracting, and preparing the environment of the group. While the overall planning process may vary given circumstances, it is essential for professionals to logically plan to see positive impacts on individual's and groups accomplishing established goals. Reference Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.