Good Lives Model Case Study

In their 2016 article, Barnao, Ward, and Casey provide a thematically-linked multiple-case study analysis of the Good Lives Model, as applied with a forensic population with mental illness. In order to provide a client perspective on the GLM, five participants with mental illness participated in a 15-week GLM program in a medium security forensic unit. Interviews with the participants were conducted prior to commencement and after completion of the program. Results showed that two of participants experienced definite change, two participants showed subtle change, and one participant displayed no change after the study. After analysis of the pre- and post-program interviews, it was determined that the participants who showed subtle or no change received less contact with the GLM staff and received assistance which did
The Barnao et al. (2016) study has implications for social work clinicians, supervisors, and program directors who are considering or currently implementing the GLM. Clinicians and supervisors can work to uphold the dignity and worth of the individual by remaining person-centered and considering how clients in the GLM are perceiving their progress. One way to actively consider the clients’ perception of the GLM program would be to engage in program evaluation which aims to consider the clients’ point-of-view, similar to the Barnao et al. (2016) article. Another way to incorporate and uphold a client-centered perspective for social workers considering employing the GLM would be provide space for clients to provide feedback and input into how the program is run. Space for client feedback can take the form of a community forum where clients can come together and provide feedback to the program, or providing space for clients to help in the decision-making program for the GLM