2.2 Explain how to draw up and record a support plan which will benefit the young person and which secures a commitment from those who will be working with the young person

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Explain how to draw up and record a support plan which will benefit the young person and which secures a commitment from those who will be working with the young person.

A support plan sets out the practical steps to help a young person achieve their agreed goals. It is a written document that records the needs, strengths and wishes of the young person. It explains how these needs will be met and who is responsible for each action. It provides a clear guide for all professionals and others involved. It ensures that everyone works consistently and with the same aims.

The aim is to make sure the young person receives the right help at the right time. It is built on what the young person has shared during discussions and assessments. It should focus on improving their wellbeing, learning, and personal development.

Preparing to Draw Up a Support Plan

Before creating the plan, it is important to gather accurate and up-to-date information. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures actions are based on the young person’s real needs.

Steps that help prepare the ground include:

Meet with the young person to talk about their needs and aspirations
Gather information from parents, carers, teachers, and other professionals
Review any past reports or assessments, such as medical notes or education plans
Agree clear outcomes that the young person wants to work towards
Make a note of any challenges that may affect progress

The young person should feel they have a voice in shaping their plan. This helps build commitment from them and makes the plan more relevant.

Involving the Young Person in the Process

A support plan works best when the young person is actively involved. Their ideas should guide the content. This shows respect and gives them ownership. The relationship between the worker and the young person matters here. Trust is needed so they can share openly.

Ways to involve them:

Use simple, clear language without jargon
Ask open questions to explore their thoughts and feelings
Provide examples to help them understand possible actions
Check back with them to confirm that the plan matches their expectations

If the young person feels listened to, they are more likely to follow through with agreed actions.

Setting Clear and Measurable Goals

Each goal in the support plan should be realistic and possible to measure. This helps track progress and know when changes occur.

Good goals often include:

A clear description of what will happen
A timescale for reaching the goal
How success will be measured

For example, instead of writing “improve school attendance”, the plan could say “attend school for at least four days a week for the next three months”. This makes it less vague and easier to check progress.

Identifying Actions and Strategies

Once the goals are agreed, list the steps that need to be taken. Actions should be linked to each goal. They need to be practical and achievable. Each step should state who will do it and by when.

Possible actions might include:

Referral to a counsellor for emotional support
Join a sports club to increase social interaction
Arrange extra tuition in a subject where they need help
Provide access to training or skill-building sessions

It is important that actions are not too many or too demanding, as this could overwhelm the young person. Small, manageable steps often work best.

Recording the Plan Clearly

Recording must be done in a structured and clear way. This document should be easy to read and understand for all involved. Most organisations use a standard support plan format, often with headings such as:

Personal details of the young person
Overview of current situation
Strengths and interests
Needs and concerns
Goals
Actions and timescales
Who is responsible
Review dates

Avoid using technical language unless needed, and explain any terms that might be unclear. The plan is a working document, so it should be kept up to date.

Securing Commitment from All Parties

To make a support plan work, everyone involved needs to understand their role and be committed to it. This includes the young person, their family, and professionals. Commitment means they agree to take the actions listed and work towards the shared goals.

Steps to build commitment:

Discuss the plan with each person involved before finalising it
Make sure responsibilities are clear and agreed
Ask each party to sign the plan as a form of agreement
Provide a copy of the plan to all relevant people

When people know exactly what is expected of them, they are more likely to follow through on their commitments.

Coordinating Multi-Agency Support

Often, a young person’s needs require input from several agencies. This could include education services, health professionals, youth work teams, and voluntary organisations. Coordination is important so that work is not duplicated and everyone knows what others are doing.

Good coordination includes:

Setting clear communication channels between agencies
Regular meetings or updates to check progress
Clear records of actions each agency is taking
Agreement on who will lead overall coordination

This avoids confusion and prevents gaps in support.

Reviewing and Updating the Plan

Circumstances can change. A support plan should never be seen as fixed. Regular reviews help keep it relevant. Reviews can be scheduled at agreed intervals or when there is a significant change in the young person’s situation.

During a review:

Revisit each goal and check for progress
Discuss any challenges or barriers
Adjust goals and actions if needed
Invite feedback from the young person and others involved

All updates should be recorded with the date and reasons for changes.

Maintaining Confidentiality

Support plans include personal and sensitive information. This must be handled in line with data protection laws and organisational policies. Confidentiality protects the young person and maintains trust.

Ways to protect confidentiality:

Store the plan securely, whether in paper or digital form
Allow access only to authorised people
Avoid discussing sensitive details in public spaces

Breaches of confidentiality can harm relationships and may have legal consequences.

Using Strengths-Based Approaches

While the plan will address needs and problems, it should also recognise the young person’s strengths and interests. These can be used to motivate and encourage them. Building on strengths often leads to better outcomes.

Examples of strengths to include:

Skills in music, sport, or art
Positive relationships with peers or mentors
Resilience shown in past situations

By identifying what the young person is good at, the plan can create opportunities that feel positive.

Ensuring Plans Are Realistic and Achievable

If a plan is too ambitious, it risks failure and discouragement. Each action should be possible given the resources and time available. It should fit with the young person’s daily life and commitments.

Checking realism involves:

Considering transport, costs, and time requirements
Making sure support services are available
Avoiding overload by prioritising actions

Sometimes small changes build confidence and lead to bigger steps later.

Communicating the Plan Effectively

Communication is key. Everyone involved should understand the plan and know how to act on it. Copies of the document should be given out promptly. Meetings should be used to go through the content and answer questions.

Simple communication tips:

Use straightforward language
Offer written and verbal explanations
Double-check understanding by asking for feedback
Agree how updates will be shared

Clear communication removes confusion and promotes joint working.

Recording Agreement and Signatures

Getting signatures can help secure commitment. It’s an acknowledgement that each person has read and agreed to the plan. While not always legally binding, it adds weight to the agreement.

Include:

Date of agreement
Full name and signature of the young person (if appropriate)
Signatures of key professionals involved
A statement that all parties are committed to taking agreed actions

This step can make the plan feel formal and important.

Addressing Barriers to Commitment

Sometimes, people struggle to commit. This might be due to lack of time, disagreement over actions, or personal issues. Addressing these early helps keep the plan on track.

Approaches can include:

Talking through concerns in private
Offering flexible solutions to fit availability
Revising actions to be more realistic
Providing encouragement and explaining the benefits of commitment

Monitoring Progress

Monitoring is part of recording and reviewing. This keeps the plan active and allows quick action if things are not working.

You can monitor by:

Keeping brief progress notes
Checking attendance for agreed sessions
Recording any change in behaviour or skills
Discussing progress regularly with the young person

Monitoring helps show whether the plan is effective.

Final Thoughts

Drawing up and recording a support plan is a shared process. It combines clear information, agreed goals, practical steps, and ongoing commitment from everyone involved. The plan should be based on the young person’s voice, needs, and strengths. It should be recorded carefully and kept secure. Commitment comes from clear responsibilities, regular communication, and respectful involvement.

A well-prepared and recorded plan gives structure to support work with young people. It keeps everyone focused and prevents confusion. By reviewing and adapting the plan over time, you can respond to changes and maintain a positive direction for the young person’s growth and wellbeing.