What best describes the 'purpose of contact' in case notes?

The purpose of contact in case notes primarily refers to the reason why the contact between the case worker and the involved parties took place. This aspect is crucial for understanding the context of the interaction and for documenting the objectives and goals of that specific communication. By clearly articulating the purpose of contact, case workers can ensure that the notes serve as a reliable record that captures the motivations behind their actions and decisions, which is essential for ongoing case management and evaluation.

In case practice, documenting the reason for contact helps to delineate the nature of the interaction, whether it was to gather information, assess a situation, provide support, or follow up on previous discussions. This clarity is important for maintaining continuity of care and for informing future interactions among team members or service providers involved with the case.

The other options, while relevant to the casework process, do not directly address the primary focus of documenting the reason for the contact itself. Emotional intent, expected outcomes, and concerns can certainly play a role in case notes but do not encapsulate the fundamental aspect of identifying the purpose behind the interaction.