| Abstract: | SUMMARY. This paper considers an appropriate form of intervention with parents accused of physically abusing their children where structural pressures are seen as the predominant problem. Traditional practice is regarded as too prone to individualised explanations and responses. Groupwork is therefore proposed as the method of choice and, within this, the self-directed model is shown to offer particular advantages. An account of a particular group is given, showing both the groupworkers' and the group members' aims for the group. The results of the group are outlined, and are shown to have included important practical gains as well as increases in confidence and self-esteem for the group members |
