ABSTRACT
This chapter considers seven areas as essential to planning needs assessment, identification of purpose, considerations regarding composition, establishment of structure, identification of key content, methodology in pregroup engagement, and examination of agency context. The purpose of the group is to help members cope with a life-threatening illness and to maximize their current life experience. A planning piece illustrates the use of the Kurland model to develop a group focusing on people with AIDS. Planning piece involves the development of a support group for people with AIDS within an agency servicing gay men and committed to providing the full spectrum of care. The process of pregroup planning is a complicated struggle to balance multiple factors and reduce resistance. The workers in a support group for people with AIDS must always recognize the importance of consistency in group and worker attendance. Effective planning of the support group maximizes the opportunities for its success.
