In the planning phase of social work, what is the first step?

In the planning phase of social work, formulating goals is essential as it provides a clear direction for the intervention process. Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals enables both the social worker and the client to have a shared understanding of the desired outcomes. This step is critical because it allows the social worker to align interventions with the client’s needs and aspirations.

Setting well-defined goals also facilitates the identification of appropriate interventions and actions that will be necessary to achieve those goals. It serves as a framework within which the social worker can operate and gauge progress throughout the process. By beginning with goal formulation, the social work practice can remain focused on the client’s objectives and ensure that all subsequent actions are purposeful and relevant, enhancing the effectiveness of the intervention.