Case plans, or case notes, may be written as memos or as part of presentencing and postsentencing reports. They might be addressed to courtroom work groups, such as public defenders, prosecutors, judges, and probation officers. Case notes may be addressed to social workers and treatment providers in problem-solving courts such as drug and mental health courts.
As the number of work groups expands, audience analysis becomes more complicated because each group may have different goals for its clients and constituencies. For example, a social worker might be interested in resources and treatment; lawyers, in justice; and judges, in the legal aspects of the case.
Given the complexity of this writing task, there is no template to guide you. You will typically learn on the job or from models your instructor provides.
In general, case notes and plans must be straightforward, clear, and well organized, with the goals and purpose carefully laid out in the introduction along with a preview of the main topics that you will cover. Be sure to include subheadings so that the various audiences can skim through the notes to identify information related to their concerns.
Related topics:
Research papers
Analytical papers
Argument or position papers
Investigative and administrative reports
Policy memos
Case briefs and legal briefs