A model system for the evaluation of individual program plans

Individual Program Plans are an essential component of quality assurance in service delivery to people with an intellectual disability. This paper describes a system for the evaluation of such plans. One hundred and sixty- three plans were analysed from clients being serviced by 11 Community Living Support Services. While the plans prepared by non-government agencies were generally superior, the average level of plan presentation was poor. Only 14% offered any criterion for evaluating performance objectives, the average number of skill building objectives was less then three per plan, and only 39% of plans were current. It is concluded that if Individual Program Plans are to realize their quality assurance potential, the issues of staff resources, staff training in plan preparation and overall professional accountability will need to be addressed.