Chapter 8: Action Plans
What is an action plan?
- A checklist for the steps/tasks that need to be completed in order to achieve the goal/outcomes set.
- An essential part of the planning process.
- Concrete, clear, and measurable.
Components of an action plan include:
- The SMART goal and a well-defined outcome for what is to be achieved.
- List of tasks/ steps that need to be carried out to reach the goal/outcome
- People who will be in charge of carrying out each task
- When will these tasks be completed (deadlines and milestones)
- Resources needed to complete the tasks – finding resources could be one of the action steps. (See Person-Centered Plan Template)
Milestones and Reviewing the Action Plans
Action plans should be reviewed monthly with the focus person and the key players. Designing a person-centred plan and not acting to help the person achieve their desired outcomes is discouraging and demoralizing. Be sure to follow up regularly.
Your action plans are not written in stone. If something is not working, change it. When you review the action plans monthly, you can quickly determine what is not working and help the focus person and their supporters shift their course if necessary. Remember, there is usually more than one path to the outcome!
Watch the How to Make an Action Plan to Achieve Your Goals (In 7 Simple Steps) video. You may recognize the ‘why’ in the video as the work we did to determine Outcomes! This video also gives you some great ideas for brainstorming action steps when the steps don’t seem totally obvious.
Your Person Centered Plan does not need to include this brainstorming, but it does need to include concrete action tasks/steps with timelines and the person/people responsible for following through with the task/ step.
Person Centered Plan Task
Create a concrete action plan for each SMART goal/outcome you have identified in the plan.
Check the action plans by asking the following questions: 1. Does it address the person’s needs? 2. Does it reflect what is important to the person? 3. Does it help guide toward the outcome? 4. Are there adequate resources to complete the action step – budget and support staff? 5. Is it clear what will be provided, by whom and how it will be delivered? 6. Is the action specific, measurable, and accountable?
See Friday Knights Puppy Centered Plan as an example below.
Example:
Goal: Get my dog trick title within 6 months time
Outcome: I lead an active and happy life.
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Actions |
Who? |
By When? |
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Download the list of tricks for the Intermediate title
Choose 3 tricks to begin with – practice 4x / week until mastered.
Choose next 3 tricks – practice all 6 at least 4 times / week until mastered.
Choose next 3 tricks – practice all 9 at least 4 times / week until mastered.
Choose last 3 tricks – practice all 12 at least 4 times / week until mastered
Video tape me performing all 12 new tricks and submit for Intermediate trick title
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Mom
Mom and me
Mom and me
Mom and me
Mom and me
Mom and me – get help from dad |
March 1st
March 1-31st
April 1 – 30th
May 1 – 31
June 1- July 30th
By August 15th |