Page 3 - SECTION E Coaching for Progress - Planning Progress with the Individual

Principles for Planning with Individuals

1. The plan should be made by the young person with adult support – not the other way
round. Plans should not be done TO young people.

2. Any plan should be simple enough for the young person to follow without an adult by
their side; in that way, they can use it independently. Focus on one or two priority issues.

3. The child has to want change in order for it to work.

Remember ‘Scoop, Divert, Substitute’ – if a child’s unhelpful actions release ‘Feel Good
Chemicals’, they need a helpful substitute and a Pathway to Independence for long-term change.

4. It will definitely work better if the young person thinks of their own solutions. That’s

not to say adults can’t make suggestions – it should just be after Although adults can make
suggestions,

5. Only make suggestions if the young person really cannot think of any solutions

themselves – and even then, they should be given the opportunity to choose from alternatives.

6. It can be useful for the young person to keep a note of how they are getting on (in a
way that suits them). THIS SHOULD NOT BE USED LIKE A BEHAVIOUR CHART!!

7. Children shouldn’t feel bad if they don’t manage stuff – it’s simply information so they
know whether it’s time to try a different strategy.