Behaviour support plans were predicated on an understanding that it is highly unlikely that any single strategy will achieve the desired outcomes in relation to an individual’s challenging behaviours. They included four components, three proactive and one reactive, which in combination, are intended to achieve the desired outcomes. These were: Ecological changes planned environmental changes that over time, produce a – change in behaviour, for example, lifestyle and routines, background stimuli and environmental pollutants. Focused support strategies strategies that should result in more rapid effects – including, for example, schedules of reinforcement, stimulus control or satiation and background stimulus change. Positive programming to change the person’s behavioural repertoire to better – deal with their environment through changes to communication systems, coping and tolerance strategies and functional related or equivalent skills development. Situational management reactive strategies to establish control and prevent – harm when a situation occurs. The proactive strategies were consistent with the model outlined in the Effective Service Design Report and designed to achieve reduction in the frequency of the challenging behaviour, therefore reducing the need for reactive strategies. The reactive strategies were those which manage the challenging behaviour when it occurs. Both sets of strategies play a role in reducing episodic severity, but it is the proactive strategies which maintain the reduction in the longer term. The model includes a role for a specialist support person (a behaviour support consultant) in the settings in which a Positive Behaviour Support plan is being introduced, to model support strategies and provide immediate support and advice to those implementing the plan. As the service providers become competent in carrying out the plan, direct contact is progressively reduced and the specialist role becomes one of review. Formal reviews occur at regular intervals to monitor client progress and identify any barriers to progress, and make changes as necessary. The ultimate aim is the service provider has the necessary internal skills to manage the plan. In summary, the model is grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis and related fields, is evidence based, person centred, has multiple elements and is strongly outcomes focused. The key elements in the model are: front-line leadership training/skills development; (e-learning and onsite client specific practice, mentoring) current state assessment through a comprehensive audit of restrictive practices that addresses both organisational and individual service practices
Behaviour support plans were predicated on an understanding that it is highly unlikely that any single strategy will achieve the desired outcomes in relation to an individual’s challenging behaviours. They included four components, three proactive and one reactive, which in combination, are intended to achieve the desired outcomes. These were: Ecological changes – planned environmental changes that over time, produce a change in behaviour, for example, lifestyle and routines, background stimuli and environmental pollutants. Focused support strategies – strategies that should result in more rapid effects including, for example, schedules of reinforcement, stimulus control or satiation and background stimulus change. Positive programming – to change the person’s behavioural repertoire to better deal with their environment through changes to communication systems, coping and tolerance strategies and functional related or equivalent skills development. Situational management – reactive strategies to establish control and prevent harm when a situation occurs. The proactive strategies were consistent with the model outlined in the Effective Service Design Report and designed to achieve reduction in the frequency of the challenging behaviour, therefore reducing the need for reactive strategies. The reactive strategies were those which manage the challenging behaviour when it occurs. Both sets of strategies play a role in reducing episodic severity, but it is the proactive strategies which maintain the reduction in the longer term. The model includes a role for a specialist support person (a behaviour support consultant) in the settings in which a Positive Behaviour Support plan is being introduced, to model support strategies and provide immediate support and advice to those implementing the plan. As the service providers become competent in carrying out the plan, direct contact is progressively reduced and the specialist role becomes one of review. Formal reviews occur at regular intervals to monitor client progress and identify any barriers to progress, and make changes as necessary. The ultimate aim is the service provider has the necessary internal skills to manage the plan. In summary, the model is grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis and related fields, is evidence based, person centred, has multiple elements and is strongly outcomes focused. The key elements in the model are: front-line leadership training/skills development; (e-learning and onsite client specific practice, mentoring) current state assessment through a comprehensive audit of restrictive practices that addresses both organisational and individual service practices
Sector-and-Workforce-Development-Report-July-2013.docx