With out acceptation a majority of the clients I work with are concerned about one thing, what I am going to write in the report at the end of the day, it is understood by them that a bad report usually carries some form of penalty.

“Have I been good?” is a question that although at times can prove to be irritating especially if repeated continually in a short space shows the focus of the mind and it’s importance.

But to who’s standards are we measuring this by my standard, theirs, wider society? Or to what the individual is actually realistically able to achieve?

But this need for a good report can in my humble opinion be abused something I have seen over the years were an individual feelings or needs have been dismissed “you will do as I say or else!” “I will write in your book that you’ve been argumentative and refusing to participate in this activity”

Goals and tasks have to be set taking into account the individuals ability, understanding nature and personality. Looking closely at the tasks that are set; can they be realistically achieved with a realistic time span based around the individual’s capacity and ability rather than goals that are hard for the individual to achieve; setting them up for failure and the inevitable report that follows that then are generally passed from one care professional to another.

I have seen were one-day report has followed an individual around

Years after the event although when we look more closely the actual activity could be beamed inappropriate for the client, thus getting a rather negative response.

Several weeks ago I was sat in a training session the students were finding it difficult and failing to come up with the correct answers, the tutor asked me later two simple questions “Am I expecting too much of them?” “Do you think my goals are some what unrealistic?”

The problem wasn’t the questions being asked but the format, the group can cope with practical but not academic a direct question brings about a negative response. The following week the same questions were asked but during a practical session “why do we hold the saw that way?” “What wood are you using?” with a more positive response.

But I also noted that at least one student would not achieve this particular goal but what he lacked in academic qualities was made up by his enthusiasm which should not be discouraged even if at times it proves irritating and a distraction to the others in the group.

I have also come across individuals who have had continual poor reports; they are aggressive, abusive, and unresponsive but on closer inspection the placement has been incorrect some one who does not like to get dirty or the cold should not be forced to work in a garden centre. Asking the individual to work against their own natural nature with the usual response “do as I’ve told you or else don’t argue or else I will write a poor report” with the inevitable sanctions gain some compliance but the individuals nature was not being taken into account along with capacity to learn and understand.

I have also seen the same reports of aggression un-cooperation or failure to take instruction when asked not to do a certain action or activity but on closer inspection we see that the individual giving the instruction is doing that which they are asking them not to do.

Simple change of environment and approach whilst also leading by example had a drastic change in how the individual’s respond and can reduce the negative reactions and unacceptable behaviour.

I have seen also that reports are written according to perception but also how they are influenced by others; once I was asked about a client I a had worked with about my report as they had become accustomed to them having a negative tone. Ok so they were loud and wished to be the centre of attention but had actually achieved the goals set and also under direction worked within a group setting with all members taking their part in the project the positive outcome for me out weighed the behaviour and so should be noted as such. Throughout the time the individual asked me the same question “have I been good?”

We all wish to be seen as being good we all wish to be liked, the way we approach individuals what we ask them to do, the goals we set make a big difference, but for me one thing I have learnt is that we can force compliance and learning by threats of sanctions or a poor report or by with holding one thing or another this for many is seen as a good result, but by simply working with the individual looking at strengths, personality type we can enhancing and working with them on this level gives rewards that are immeasurable.

As to bad reports the first question I always ask is how recent? If it is several years old as far as I’m concerned it is an advisement not a statement of character. More recent then it’s best to look at the circumstances can the trigger points be avoided or reduced? And is the individual getting nothing but negative reports if so why?

Reports and reporting can be dangerous if not given in a true balance or context of events from both view points whether we agree with that view or not.