‘Positive behaviour support planning: part 3’ is the third information sheet in this series. It is recommended that it is read alongside ‘Understanding challenging behaviour: part 1’ and ‘Finding the reasons for challenging behaviour: part 2’ (see links at bottom of page)
Download: Positive behaviour support planning: part 3
Quick read
What is a Behaviour Support Plan?
This plan provides carers with a step by step guide to managing challenging behaviour. It is based on the results of a behaviour assessment. Two important parts of the plan are:
1.Proactive strategies.These are used to make sure that the person has got what they need. They also describe ways to teach the person communication and other skills. Examples include:
- Look for triggers
- Teach skills e.g. a sign for “finished”
- Be aware of how you talk to the person e.g. firm, funny and calm
- Adjust the environment e.g. dim the lights, tie hair back to stop someone pulling hair
- Rewards
- Routine and structure
- Boundaries
2.Reactive strategiesare designed to keep the person and those around them safe. Examples include:
- Do not respond to the behaviour
- Give reminders
- Distract the person
- Give the person what they want
- Remove yourself from the situation e.g., leave the room
A good plan has more proactive than reactive strategies.
How to create a Behaviour Support Plan
Everyone involved with the person’s care should be involved in creating a behaviour support plan. Here are 8 key steps to make a plan:
- Write a description of the behaviour(s)
- Work out the reasons for the behaviour
- Write ‘proactive’“Green”strategies to help the child or adult stay happy and calm. Think about what new skills the person may need to learn to help them in the future e.g. a sign for “finished”, to wait for 30 seconds etc.
- Recognise the early warning signs of the behaviour (when a person becomes anxious) and think about how to respond when you see these. This is the ‘active’ “Amber”part of the plan.
- Record the ‘reactive’ “Red”strategies (what to do when the behaviour occurs) to keep people safe.
- Record the ‘post reactive’ “Blue”strategies (what to do after the behaviour). We need to be careful here as there is a risk of the behaviour escalating again.
- Get agreement from all the key people in the person’s life
- Review the plan. Is it working?
