Abstract This paper critically reviews the literature related to outcome research, staff training and management goal planning, primarily for adults with a mental handicap. The outcome literature indicates highly varying outcomes associated with goal planning to increase skills acquisition. No experimental studies were identified which attempted to evaluate goal planning procedures to increase the diversity of opportunities and change people's lifestyle. The quality of this outcome literature was rather disappointing. There were few studies which included control groups, placebo conditions, comparison intervention procedures, social validation or follow‐up data. Staff training in goal planning has received considerable attention. However, many studies have focussed only on staff keeping documentation rather than on staff teaching skills. Staff training methods which include anin vivotraining component and a planned maintenance procedure show considerable promise. Areas for the future development of goal planning are discus