Agencies can define factors across which clients or groups of clients are assessed when a particular type of assessment is run. Client needs are assessed using factors. Typically a factor is considered either a need or a barrier. Needs are things that a client or family require to be self-sustaining but currently lack. Barriers are conditions that prevent or complicates a client's ability to obtain or achieve something. The administrator can specify whether the factor is involved in planning and not just used to record results so that objectives and activities can be associated to the factor. Examples of assessment factors include shelter, parenting skills, and substance abuse. Agencies typically assess clients and/or families to measure their current situation in relation to one or more factors.