Values to Goals: Inspiring Change Through the HFA Goal Planning Process

Thursday, August 14, 2025
10:45 AM - 11:30 PM

By using the HFA Family Values activity and other concrete tools, we can support families to turn their vague or abstract notions of what they would like for their family into successful, actionable goals. We will set up this discussion by grounding into the purpose for goal setting activities: developing critical thinking skills and really learning that the choices we make matter in creating the world we want for our families. After briefly exploring the SMART goals framework and motivational interviewing strategies, the discussion will center around choosing a value, exploring how that value is currently demonstrated in the caregiver’s life (or if not, how can they start) and questions we can ask that encourage building on that success. Participants will address barriers they anticipate, break down the goal into actionable steps and supports, and create a concrete representation of the goal. We will share many examples of successful goals, emphasizing these skillful discussions and lessons learned. Even the simplest of goals can lead to a shift in how we see the world over time. Moving from the abstract to the concrete is a process that many of us struggle with. Participants will practice the goal planning process using family scenarios and encouraged to share their own expertise in supporting families to set goals.