Phase III begins the reduction in treatment intensity.  At this point the counselor's primary objective is to assess the family's ability to generalize their learned behaviors into the home, school, and community arenas. In order to effectively measure this it is important that the counselor begin to transition the locus of control back to the family by slowly reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of direct treatment services.
          A complete comprehensive assessment of the family's educational and vocational needs is completed and appropriate referrals are made.
          This is also the time where the family begins to establish clearly developed long-term goals. As with the previous short-term goals, the long term-goals are developed collaboratively by all members of the family. They are kept specific and attainable during the time spent in Phase IV.