In this article, we will explore the transformative power of a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) and how it can help people recover to a quality of life following a relapse. We will also talk about the positive changes recovery model implementation makes in the life of people with disabilities.
A comprehensive BSP is like a key that can unlock barriers and propel individuals towards their goals. When someone is struggling with challenging behaviours, a Behaviour support plan can make all the difference when it is implemented and followed through.
Using evidence-based strategies and personalised approaches, a Behaviour support plan focuses on understanding the root causes of behaviours and implementing effective intervention strategies. When we address the underlying issues and provide targeted support, individuals can overcome challenges, develop new skills, and experience positive change in their lives.
You’ll discover how a Behaviour support plan can enhance self-awareness, promote emotional regulation, teach new behavioural strategies, and foster healthier relationships. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed, a Behaviour support plan empowers them to reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of life.
So, let’s dive in.
Understanding the behaviour support plan
Behaviour support plans are comprehensive frameworks designed to address behaviours of concern and promote positive change. These plans are based on the understanding that behaviours are a form of communication and are influenced by various factors such as environmental triggers, personal experiences, and individual differences.
The first step in creating a Behaviour support plan is to conduct a thorough assessment of the individual’s behaviours and their underlying causes. This involves gathering information from various sources, including the individual, their family, carers, teachers, and other professionals involved in their care. The assessment process helps to identify patterns, triggers, and potential areas for intervention.
Why is behaviour support plan so important?
Behaviour support plans are essential for individuals who are struggling with behaviours of concern. These plans provide a structured and individualised approach to address behaviours and empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
One of the key benefits of Behaviour support plans is that they focus on proactive strategies rather than reactive measures. By understanding the factors that contribute to behaviours of concern, support teams can develop strategies to prevent or minimise the occurrence of these behaviours. This proactive approach not only helps individuals to overcome challenges but also promotes their overall well-being and success.
How to develop a behaviour support plan
Developing a Behaviour support plan involves a systematic and collaborative process. Here are the key steps involved in creating an effective plan:
1. Assessing behaviours and setting goals
We always start with gathering information about the individual’s behaviours, triggers, and goals. This information helps us to identify the specific behaviours that need to be addressed and sets the foundation for developing appropriate intervention strategies.
2. Strategies for implementing the behaviour support plan
Once we have identified the goals and behaviours, it’s time to develop strategies to address these behaviours. This may involve teaching new skills, modifying the environment, implementing positive reinforcement strategies, or providing individualised support. The strategies should be evidence-based and tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
3. Monitoring and evaluating progress
Regular monitoring and evaluation are crucial to ensure that the Behaviour support plan is effective. This involves tracking the individual’s progress, collecting data on behaviours, and making necessary adjustments to the plan as needed. Monitoring and evaluation help to identify areas of success and areas that may require additional support or modification.
Assessing behaviours and setting goals
Understanding the root causes of behaviours is crucial to developing an effective Behaviour support plan. By conducting a thorough assessment, we can gain insights into the factors that contribute to challenging behaviours and identify areas for intervention.
During the assessment process, we use various tools and strategies to gather data, such as interviews, observations, and behaviour rating scales. This comprehensive approach helps us paint a holistic picture of the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and environmental factors that may influence their behaviour.
Once the assessment is complete, we set clear and measurable goals. These goals should be specific, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. By setting realistic targets, individuals can have a clear direction and focus for their behaviour support plan.
Setting goals that align with the individual’s needs and aspirations is essential. Whether it’s improving social skills, reducing aggressive behaviour, or enhancing academic performance, the Behaviour support plan should always be tailored to address these specific areas of concern.
Strategies for implementing the behaviour support plan
With the goals set, it’s time to implement the Behaviour support plan. This stage involves selecting evidence-based strategies and interventions that are best suited to the individual’s needs and preferences.
- One effective strategy is positive reinforcement. This approach involves rewarding desired behaviours to increase their occurrence. By providing praise, tokens, or other incentives, individuals are motivated to engage in positive behaviours and are more likely to repeat them in the future.
- Another strategy is teaching replacement behaviours. Instead of focusing solely on stopping negative behaviours, we always emphasise teaching individuals alternative and more appropriate ways to express themselves. This helps them develop new skills and coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of engaging in challenging behaviours.
- Training is crucial when it comes to putting plans into action. Often, providers just see training as a quick session about the plan. But training should involve a lot more. It should include things like:
- Regularly attending team meetings to go over different parts of the plan together.
- A process for completing reliability questionnaires to ensure that everyone involved understands the plan inside out.
- Working alongside carers and other professionals to demonstrate and teach them firsthand how to support the person effectively. This hands-on approach can make a huge difference.
- Observing how others provide support and giving constructive feedback.
- Regularly reviewing and updating the behavior support plan with the entire support team involved. This ensures that everyone stays on the same page and that the plan evolves as needed.
- Environmental modifications can play a significant role in supporting behaviour change. By creating an environment that is conducive to positive behaviours, individuals are more likely to thrive. This may involve making changes to physical spaces, establishing clear routines and expectations, or providing visual cues to support understanding.
- Monitoring progress can involve various methods, such as data collection, behaviour tracking sheets, and ongoing communication between all stakeholders. By continuously collecting and analysing data, we can identify patterns, trends, and areas that require further attention.
- Evaluating progress goes beyond simply measuring behaviour change. It involves assessing the overall impact of the Behaviour support plan on the individual’s quality of life. Are they experiencing improved well-being? Are they achieving their goals and aspirations? These questions help determine the success of the plan and guide future decision-making.
Monitoring and evaluating progress
To ensure the effectiveness of a Behaviour support plan, regular monitoring and evaluation are critical. This allows both professionals and individuals to track progress, make necessary adjustments, and celebrate achievements along the way.
Monitoring progress can involve various methods, such as data collection, behaviour tracking sheets, and ongoing communication between all stakeholders. By continuously collecting and analysing data, we can identify patterns, trends, and areas that require further attention.
Evaluation goes beyond simply measuring behaviour change. It involves assessing the overall impact of the Behaviour support plan on the individual’s quality of life. Are they experiencing improved well-being? Are they achieving their goals and aspirations? These questions help determine the success of the plan and guide future decision-making.
The importance of collaboration
Successful implementation of a Behaviour support plan requires collaboration and coordination among various stakeholders. This includes the individual, their family, carers, support staff, and other professionals involved in their care. Collaboration ensures that everyone is on board with the plan, understands their roles and responsibilities, and works together towards the individual’s goals.
Stakeholders should regularly communicate and share information to ensure a cohesive and consistent approach. This collaboration helps to address any challenges that arise, make necessary adjustments to the plan, and celebrate successes together.
NDIS resources
Creating an effective Behaviour support plan requires knowledge, expertise, and access to resources. The NDIS outlines the rules of creating and lodging a behaviour support plan. All behavior support plans incorporating regulated restrictive measures must be submitted to the NDIS Commission by certified behavior support providers. Submission is facilitated through the NDIS Commission portal and necessitates a PRODA account.
Conclusion
We have seen over the years that Behaviour support plans and recovery model implementation makes a huge difference in the life of people with behaviours of concern.
A professional and comprehensive Behaviour support plan empowers individuals to reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of life. When we look at the person first and then the system and environment, we can achieve positive changes and witness the incredible transformation that a Behaviour support plan can bring.
Our experienced specialists can work with you and your clients to create a Behaviour support plan, reach out to us today
