When the COPM is completed by both parent and teacher, it can serve as a means of opening communication between them and identifying mutually agreed-upon goals.

Barbara is a 56-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital because of depression. She lives with her husband and does occasional bookkeeping for a local business. They have two sons who are grown and have their own families.

Making the interview part interesting and getting the child involved is crucial to the successful and valid completion of the COPM.