title: Framework for a proactive parent support group: the Syracuse cystic fibrosis model.
abstract: Many support groups are organized and run according to goals and by-laws set by facilitators. This article introduces a model in which all goals and by-laws are created by the parents based on their group's specific needs. It also describes a "proactive" approach in which the group members identify projects or problems in their community and collectively form a plan in an attempt to improve these situations. This model is based on the real-life experience of a cystic fibrosis parent support group in Syracuse, New York. Lessons learned from this model can be applied to other parent support groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics at Yale Medical Center in New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8005, USA.
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Matloff
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000451:nursing*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*