What Are DAP Notes?
DAP notes are a streamlined documentation format used in social work and counselling. The acronym stands for Data, Assessment, and Plan - a three-part structure that helps practitioners record contacts efficiently while maintaining professional standards.
Compared to SOAP notes, DAP combines the Subjective and Objective sections into a single "Data" component, making it faster to complete while still capturing essential information.
D Data
All relevant information gathered during the contact - both what the client reported (subjective) and what you observed (objective). This includes statements, observations, behaviours, and factual information.
A Assessment
Your professional analysis and clinical judgement based on the data collected. This is where you interpret the information and identify patterns, risks, strengths, and concerns.
P Plan
The next steps, interventions, referrals, and follow-up actions. This section outlines what will happen next and who is responsible for each action.
DAP vs SOAP: Which Should You Use?
Both formats are widely accepted in UK social work. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | DAP Notes | SOAP Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 3 (Data, Assessment, Plan) | 4 (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) |
| Speed | Faster to complete | More detailed structure |
| Fact/Opinion separation | Combined in Data section | Clearly separated (S vs O) |
| Best for | Routine contacts, telephone calls | Complex cases, court work |
| Learning curve | Easier to learn | Takes more practice |
Tip: Many social workers use DAP for routine contacts and SOAP when they need to clearly distinguish between what the client said versus what they observed - particularly for safeguarding concerns or court-related work.
How to Write Each Section
Data (D)
The Data section captures all relevant information from the contact:
- Client statements: What the person told you, using direct quotes where possible
- Reported information: Details provided by family members, carers, or other professionals
- Your observations: What you saw, heard, and noticed during the contact
- Environmental factors: Home conditions, who was present, relevant context
- Factual information: Dates, times, attendance records, test results
While Data combines subjective and objective information, you should still clearly attribute statements: "Mrs Ahmed reported..." or "I observed that..."
Assessment (A)
This is where you apply your professional judgement:
- Analysis of the current situation
- Progress towards care plan goals
- Risk assessment and safeguarding considerations
- Strengths and protective factors identified
- Areas of concern or emerging issues
- Your professional opinion based on the evidence
Plan (P)
Document what happens next:
- Specific actions to be taken
- Who is responsible for each action
- Timescales and deadlines
- Referrals to other services
- Next contact date and type
- Contingency plans if needed
DAP Note Example: Telephone Contact
Contact Type: Telephone call
Duration: 25 minutes
D - Data:
Called Mr Patel to follow up on housing application. He reported the council has offered a two-bedroom property in Southfield Estate which he is "really pleased about." He stated the move-in date is 3rd February. Mr Patel said his mental health has been "much better" since receiving the offer and he's been taking his medication regularly. He mentioned his sister has agreed to help with the move. Voice sounded brighter and more energetic than previous calls. Mr Patel confirmed he has attended his last two GP appointments.
A - Assessment:
Significant positive progress with housing situation now resolved. Mr Patel's improved mood appears linked to reduced uncertainty about his living situation. His engagement with health services is encouraging and suggests improved self-care. Family support from sister is a protective factor. No current concerns identified.
P - Plan:
1. Send confirmation letter regarding case closure timeline
2. Provide Mr Patel with local community mental health resources for ongoing support
3. Final home visit to new property scheduled for 10th February at 2pm
4. Case to be reviewed for closure following successful move
DAP Note Example: Home Visit
Contact Type: Statutory Home Visit
Present: Mrs Chen (mother), Lily Chen (aged 6), SW
D - Data:
Conducted announced home visit. Mrs Chen welcomed me into the property. She reported Lily has been "much happier" at school this term and that the new teacher "really understands her." Mrs Chen stated she has been attending the parenting course and finds it "really helpful." She mentioned she's been practising the calm-down strategies they taught. Lily was observed playing independently with toys and appeared relaxed. She showed me a painting she made at school and spoke enthusiastically about her friends. Home was clean and tidy with Lily's artwork displayed. Adequate food in cupboards. Lily's bedroom observed - appropriate bedding, toys, and clothes visible.
A - Assessment:
Evidence of positive progress across all areas of concern. Mrs Chen is engaging well with support services and implementing strategies learned. Lily presents as settled and age-appropriately developing. Mother-daughter relationship appeared warm during visit. Previous concerns about home conditions have been addressed. No safeguarding concerns identified. Family appear to be ready for step-down to Early Help.
P - Plan:
1. Discuss step-down to Early Help at next supervision (25/01)
2. Request school report ahead of next CIN review
3. Continue supporting Mrs Chen's attendance at parenting course
4. CIN review scheduled for 5th February
5. Next home visit 29th January at 10am
When to Use DAP Notes
DAP notes work particularly well for:
- Telephone contacts: Quick to complete for routine check-ins
- Follow-up visits: When the situation is stable and straightforward
- Adult social care: Often preferred in adult services
- High caseload environments: When you need efficient recording
- Routine monitoring: Regular contacts with established clients
Consider using SOAP instead when you need to clearly separate what the client said from what you observed - particularly for safeguarding concerns, court work, or complex multi-agency cases.
Tips for Better DAP Notes
- Be specific: Use concrete details rather than vague descriptions
- Attribute clearly: Even in the combined Data section, show who said what
- Base assessment on data: Your analysis should flow from the information recorded
- Make plans actionable: Include who, what, and when for each action
- Record promptly: Complete notes within 24 hours while details are fresh
- Keep it focused: Include relevant information only - quality over quantity
DAP Notes in Seconds
SpeakCase automatically formats your spoken notes into professional DAP structure. Just speak your observations and let AI handle the rest.
Try Free for 7 DaysCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Assessment with Data: Keep your professional opinion in the Assessment section
- Vague plans: "Continue to monitor" is not specific enough - what exactly will you do?
- Missing attribution: Make it clear who provided each piece of information
- Unsupported assessment: Every conclusion should be backed by data you've recorded
- Forgetting timescales: Always include when actions will be completed
Conclusion
DAP notes offer an efficient, streamlined approach to social work documentation. The three-part structure is quick to learn and helps ensure you capture the essential elements of every contact: what happened, what it means, and what comes next.
While SOAP notes may be preferred for complex or contentious cases, DAP is an excellent choice for routine contacts where speed and clarity are priorities. Many experienced practitioners use both formats depending on the context.
Whichever format you choose, the key is consistency and quality - ensuring your records serve the people you work with and provide a clear account of your professional practice.