Consider this scenario. You are head of a planning team that has been asked to create a new drug treatment program. You ask your team to write a goal statement for the program. The following goal statements have been proposed:
The goal of this drug treatment program is to serve clients’ needs and to educate clients about the harm that drugs cause.
The goal of this drug treatment program is to assist our clients in reducing drug dependency and eventually ending it toward living drug-free lives.
Which goal statement do you think is more appropriate? Explain why you think the statement is suitable. Also provide an explanation as to why the other statement is not suitable.
Do the four components mentioned in the book—a time frame, the targeted population, the anticipated result, and a criterion—suffice to create an objective statement? Why?
Consider the following objective statement for checking recidivism to crime:
“The program will prevent inmates from committing crime, as measured by arrest or revocation of parole, for at least three years after they have been released back into the community.”
In the objective statement example above, consider that some new components are to be included toward creating a more appropriate objective statement. Recommend at least two additional components that can be included to create an objective statement and provide a rationale for your recommendations.
Full Answer Section
- Ambiguous "client needs": This term is broad and open to interpretation. What specific client needs will the program prioritize? How will those needs be assessed and addressed? The statement needs greater clarity in defining the types of support clients will receive.
- Limited outcome: Ending drug dependency should be the primary outcome, not just educating about its harm. Education is certainly valuable, but it's only one step in the recovery journey.
Statement 2: The goal of this drug treatment program is to assist our clients in reducing drug dependency and eventually ending it toward living drug-free lives.
Analysis: This statement is much stronger for several reasons:
- Clearly defined goal: It explicitly states the program's primary objective - reducing and ultimately ending drug dependency. This provides a clear direction for program development and evaluation.
- Focus on recovery: The language emphasizes assisting clients in achieving a drug-free future, aligning with the program's core purpose.
- Gradual progression: Acknowledging the likely need for a gradual reduction before complete cessation reflects the reality of addiction recovery.
- Positive outcome: The ultimate goal of "living drug-free lives" paints a clear picture of success and aligns with client aspirations.
Therefore, statement 2 is the more suitable goal statement for the drug treatment program. It provides a focused direction, emphasizes recovery, and sets a clear, positive outcome for clients.
The Four Components of an Objective Statement:
The book's suggestion of including four components in an objective statement is a solid foundation. However, they may not be sufficient in all cases, particularly for a complex program like drug treatment. While including time frame, targeted population, anticipated result, and a criterion for measuring success is valuable, consider adding the following for greater clarity and effectiveness:
- Specific interventions: Briefly mentioning the types of treatment modalities the program will employ, like detoxification, therapy, or relapse prevention strategies, provides a better understanding of how the program aims to achieve its goals.
- Stages of progress: Briefly outlining the anticipated stages of recovery within the program (e.g., initial stabilization, treatment phases, and post-program support) can offer a more comprehensive picture of the treatment journey.
- Client participation: Mentioning the expected level of client engagement and responsibility adds ownership and fosters a collaborative recovery process.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right goal statement is crucial for setting the direction and guiding the development of your drug treatment program. Focusing on client recovery, clearly outlining desired outcomes, and incorporating additional details for comprehensive understanding will result in a stronger, more effective program that serves its clients well. Remember, the goal statement should be a shared vision that fuels your team's efforts and inspires hope for the program's impact on those seeking it.
Sample Answer
As the head of the planning team tasked with creating a new drug treatment program, reviewing the proposed goal statements is crucial. Let's analyze the two suggestions through the lens of effectiveness and suitability:
Statement 1: The goal of this drug treatment program is to serve clients’ needs and to educate clients about the harm that drugs cause.
Analysis: This statement has some positive aspects. It acknowledges the importance of client needs and incorporates education about the dangers of drugs. However, it falls short in several key areas:
- Lack of focus on recovery: While serving client needs is important, the goal should explicitly focus on facilitating recovery from drug dependency. The statement's primary focus on education seems secondary to the program's ultimate objective.