This study assessed the value of Goal Attainment Scaling as a program evaluation devise. It also assessed the effects of Goal Attainment Scaling on therapist behavior and treatment outcomes for emotionally disturbed children in group homes. Thirty three children, ages 11 to 19, residing in 3 group homes were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Group home therapists collaboratively set three month treatment goals with the experimental subjects. Comparable goals were set for the control group residents by the group home treatment team. In weekly sessions, therapists for the experimental subjects were instructed to include three specific references to treatment goals and give feedback on level of goal attainment. Residents in the control group received insight oriented psychotherapy. To assess the effects of Goal Attainment Scaling on therapist behavior, random samples of taped therapy sessions were scored using an interval recording system. Significantly higher rates of therapist goal statements, client goal statements and client self-reinforcing statements were found in experimental group sessions. No significant differences occurred between the two treatment groups on level of goal attainment. No significant correlations were found between goal attainment scaling scores and staff rating systems for overall adjustment and progress
