Key elements that are critical for the success of change in a program may be promoted through planned change and involves the following strategies: developing the needs for change, zeroing on change problem, establishing goals and intention of action, committing to action, and stabilizing the change.

1. Development of a Need for Change

In order for change to occur, the potential client usually experiences problems that create tension within the system. To trigger the change, the client system must be brought into the state of problem awareness. Once the client is aware of the problem, they can be motivated to desire a change and recognize the need to seek outside help.