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PBS Statement for CC – March 2025

Overview

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with behaviours of concern by understanding and addressing the underlying causes of these behaviours. The term ‘PBS’ is widely utilised but often overused to describe generic methodologies. Specialised and bespoke PBS requires intensive input from highly qualified and experienced PBS practitioners, utilising a wide range of evidence-based interventions and methodologies.

Core principles of Positive Behaviour Support

  • Respect for Individual Rights and Dignity: Recognizing and respecting the rights and dignity of every individual is fundamental. This includes the right to make choices and have control over one's life.
  • Promotion of Functional and Adaptive Behaviours: Encouraging behaviours that are functional and adaptive, helping individuals to develop skills that enhance their independence and quality of life.
  • Emphasis on Prevention Strategies: Focusing on preventing behaviours of concern by creating supportive environments and addressing potential triggers before they lead to problematic behaviours.
  • Evidence-based Practice: Using strategies and interventions that are supported by research and have been shown to be effective.
  • Systems Change: Adapting and changing systems to better support individuals, acknowledging that environments and systems can influence behaviour.

Qualified and experienced PBS Specialists

All PBS Specialists in the Time4U PBS team are qualified to/working towards a Level 5 Diploma in PBS. This is a BILD certified two-year course.

In addition to a Level 5 Diploma in PBS, the allocated PBS Lead for CC will also be working towards a Masters Degree in PBS/Applied Behaviour Analysis.

The designated PBS Specialist will be responsible for the production and ongoing maintenance of a bespoke evidence-based PBS Plan. Methodologies for gathering data for the PBS Plan will involve the systematic use of:

  • Participant observations.
  • Non-participant observations.
  • Staff mentoring.
  • Staff coaching.
  • Analysis of historical evidence.
  • Analysis of Incident and ABC reports and daily records.
  • Formal Staff Welfare Checks.
  • Critical Incident Debriefs.
  • Critical Interviews and informal discussions with the individual, their family and associates.
  • Ongoing liaison with Multi-Disciplinary Professionals.
  • Classroom teaching, including bespoke PBS workshops.
  • Facilitated reflective learning sessions.
  • Ongoing professional development and assimilation of new literature and other evidence of evolving PBS best practice.

Proactive strategies

Proactive strategies in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focus on preventing behaviours of concern before they occur by addressing the root causes, modifying the environment, and teaching new skills. These strategies are designed to reduce the likelihood of behaviours escalating by supporting the individual and providing the necessary tools to manage situations effectively.

The plan aims to utilise the following Proactive strategies:

  1. Understanding Triggers and Underlying Factors
    • Conduct thorough assessments. The PBS Lead will identify the specific triggers for known behaviours of concern. Understanding the underlying causes allows for the development of targeted interventions. This will be done in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including multidisciplinary professionals and the individual’s family.
    • Behavioural Analysis. The PBS Lead will assess the function of behaviours (e.g., escape and avoidance, attention, automatic reinforcement or sensory). This will help to create a tailored plan to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
  2. Creating a Structured and Supportive Environment
    • Staff will be supported to create routine and predictability. Predictability helps the individual feel more in control and less stressed in challenging situations.
    • Staff will be supported to create safe and calm spaces, minimizing distractions or negative influences that may contribute to behaviours of concern.
  3. Building Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
    • Teaching coping strategies. Introducing alternative coping mechanisms to help manage emotional distress, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, journaling, or deep breathing techniques.
    • Positive reinforcement for emotional regulation. Reinforcing efforts to cope with emotions in healthy ways, such as talking about feelings, engaging in an activity, or practicing self-care, instead of resorting to behaviours of concern.
  4. Involvement in Social and Community Activities
    • Encourage the individual to participate in community activities or social settings. Socialising with peers can help reduce isolation and normalize constructive behaviours.
  5. Promoting Autonomy and Control
    • Offer the individual choices. Empowering them to make decisions fosters a sense of control and can reduce the level and intensity of behaviours of concern.
    • Establishing least restrictive practices.
  6. Building Social and Emotional Support Networks
    • Encourage positive relationships with family, peers, or support workers. These relationships provide emotional support, validation, and the opportunity for the individual to feel less isolated in their journey toward recovery.
    • Support Workers will receive bespoke training in PBS and non-restrictive interventions in challenging behaviour, adopting a team approach.
  7. Focus on fostering a positive self-image
    • Foster autonomy and competence. Encourage behaviours that support the individual’s sense of competence and autonomy in all areas of life.
  8. Regular Monitoring and Adjustment
    • Ongoing assessment and feedback. Continuously assessing the effectiveness of strategies will be carried out by the PBS Lead. Regular feedback and reflection on the individual’s successes and challenges can help tailor interventions to their evolving needs.
    • Collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. PBS works with dietitians, therapists, psychologists, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to addressing disordered eating behaviours and creating a comprehensive support plan.

Summary

Intensive specialist PBS input is required to shift the focus away from the need for reactive and restrictive measures. Moving forward, working holistically with a wide range of stakeholders, including multi-disciplinary professionals and the individual’s family and social network, there will be a paradigm shift towards proactive and least restrictive support practices.

The individual will be supported to develop a Life Plan that will enable them to fulfil their ambitions and dreams and live their own life, on their own terms.

Time4U PBS Department