![\"Letter](\"https:\/\/vibrant.familyengagementdycdconnect.nyc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SOAPD_letter_S.png\")
<\/a> = Strengths observed in the participant<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n![\"letter](\"https:\/\/vibrant.familyengagementdycdconnect.nyc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SOAPD_letter_O.png\")
<\/a> = Objective account of the interaction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n![\"letter](\"https:\/\/vibrant.familyengagementdycdconnect.nyc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SOAPD_letter_A.png\")
= Assessment of the situation\/individual<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n![\"letter](\"https:\/\/vibrant.familyengagementdycdconnect.nyc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SOAPD_letter_P.png\")
<\/a> = Plan (progress toward specific goal)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n![\"letter](\"https:\/\/vibrant.familyengagementdycdconnect.nyc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/SOAPD_letter_D.png\")
<\/a> = Data (new information gathered)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe acronym SOAP-D contains components that need to be present in most progress notes, but it is not necessary to follow it letter by letter. It provides a guidepost or reference for ensuring progress notes are thorough and connected back to the stated goals, but the note should be written in the order that makes the most sense. Integrate strengths throughout as they apply to the assessment and the plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to remember that progress notes are legal documents that can be viewed by the participant and can be subpoenaed as part of a lawsuit. Keeping accurate, detailed, and objective progress notes is crucial to the integrity of your participant\u2019s experience and also supports the continued funding for your program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honoring the confidentiality of participants is also of key importance. Keep personal identifying information (such as trauma history, immigration status, or specific medical conditions) out of formal documentation, when possible, and maintain this information in a confidential case file within the program. In the case record, you might include a phrase like, \u201cParticipant has a significant medical issue that requires regular treatment,\u201d rather than specifying the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For further guidance and clarification, speak with your program director or contact your DYCD program manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips and Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is an example of a progress note written by a staff member in a workforce readiness program. The note describes the progress of a program participant, Ms. Lopez, who has been looking for a job:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ms. Lopez came in today and was visibly excited. She was speaking quickly and shared that she was offered a job after she had an interview last week. She accepted the offer and will be working as an administrative assistant full time. Ms. Lopez\u2019s short-term goal was to secure employment so that she can pay her $800 rent each month and pay $1500 in rent arrears. The job pays $15\/hour, and she will be working 40 hours per week. Case manager advised Ms. Lopez to contact her landlord within the week to work out a payment plan for arrears and to provide a copy of her first pay stub to substantiate employment. Ms. Lopez starts the job on Monday and will return the following Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for her next meeting with case manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you review the progress note, you can reflect on the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your answer to each of the questions above was \u201cyes,\u201d it is likely that the progress note is an accurate reflection of the participant\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n