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.
Choosing the Appropriate Goal Statement for the Drug Treatment Program
When developing a goal statement for a drug treatment program, it is essential to craft a statement that clearly articulates the intended outcomes and aligns with the program's purpose. In the given scenario, the proposed goal statements are as follows:
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.
Appropriate Goal Statement: The second goal statement, "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," is more appropriate.
Explanation:
The second goal statement is more specific and action-oriented. It focuses on assisting clients in reducing drug dependency and moving towards a drug-free life. This goal statement is outcome-driven and emphasizes long-term change rather than just serving clients' needs and providing education about the harm of drugs.
The second goal statement aligns with the primary purpose of a drug treatment program, which is to help individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier, drug-free lives. It recognizes the importance of reducing drug dependency and ultimately ending it, which is a more meaningful and impactful outcome for clients.
Inappropriate Goal Statement: The first goal statement, "The goal of this drug treatment program is to serve clients' needs and to educate clients about the harm that drugs cause," is less suitable.
Explanation:
The first goal statement is vague and lacks specificity. It does not clearly define how the program intends to serve clients' needs or educate them about the harm of drugs.
While serving clients' needs and educating them about the harm of drugs are important aspects of a drug treatment program, they do not capture the essential goal of helping clients reduce drug dependency and achieve a drug-free life. This goal statement does not provide a clear direction for the program's focus or desired outcomes.
Components for Creating an Objective Statement
The four components mentioned in the book — a time frame, the targeted population, the anticipated result, and a criterion — are crucial for creating an objective statement. However, they may not be sufficient on their own to create a comprehensive and effective objective statement. Additional components can enhance the clarity and specificity of the statement.
In the example 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."
Two additional components that can be included to create a more appropriate objective statement are:
Intervention Approach: Specify the intervention approach or strategies that will be employed to achieve the desired outcomes. For example, "The program will implement evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to reduce criminal behavior and promote successful reintegration into society."
Rationale: Including the intervention approach provides clarity on how the program intends to achieve its goals and helps stakeholders understand the specific methods or techniques that will be utilized.
Measurement Methodology: Clearly define the measurement methodology and tools that will be used to assess the anticipated result or outcome. For example, "Recidivism rates will be measured through post-release follow-up interviews, official arrest records, and parole revocation data."
Rationale:
By specifying the measurement methodology, stakeholders can have confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. It also ensures consistency in measuring outcomes and allows for better evaluation of program effectiveness.
Including these additional components strengthens the objective statement by providing a clear understanding of the intervention approach and measurement methodology, making it more comprehensive and actionable.