What is a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan, also known as a BSP or ‘the plan’, is a structured document created to address behaviours of concern and supports positive behaviour change for those with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, or other complex needs. BSPs are person-centred and tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the Participant.
A BSP provides families and paid supports with a step-by-step guide to enhancing the Participant’s quality of life, enables them to identify when and how to intervene so that behaviours of concern are prevented, and also supports the reduction and elimination of any regulated restrictive practices.
What types of BSPs are there?
Under NDIS guidelines, there are two types of BSPs- they are Interim and Comprehensive.
- An Interim BSP is a short document that contains general preventative and responsive strategies designed to keep the Participant and others safe. It clearly describes the behaviours of concern and includes protocols to follow to minimise the risk of harm. It also identifies if, when and how any regulated restrictive practices are to be applied. An Interim BSP also focuses on safeguarding and risk mitigation.
NDIS legislative requirements states that an Interim BSP must be developed within 1 month of being engaged, if there are restrictive practices or high risks.
- A Comprehensive BSP is a holistic document based on a Functional Behaviour Assessment (known as a FBA). It contains proactive and evidence-informed strategies to improve the Participants quality of life and supports their progress towards positive change. It addresses the underlying functions of the Participants behaviour of concern and where appropriate, identifies functionally equivalent replacement behaviours. A Comprehensive BSP also outlines any environmental changes required, provides skill development opportunities, and includes response strategies to be followed when behaviours of concern occur.
If there are any regulated restrictive practices, the plan identifies if, when and how they are to be applied, and includes fade out strategies to promote their reduction and elimination over time.
NDIS legislative requirements states that a Comprehensive BSP must be developed within 6 months of being engaged, especially if there are restrictive practices.
How is a Behaviour Support Plan developed?
An Interim Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is developed based on a risk assessment, review of other assessments and a review of restrictive practices.
In comparison, a Comprehensive BSP is developed based on the results of a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). A FBA is a very useful data driven process that supports our understanding of when, where and why behaviours happen. It enables PBS Practitioners to make informed decisions that support meaningful behaviour change through making environmental changes and promoting efficient ways for the Participant to get their needs met, so that behaviours of concern become ineffective and reduce over time.
The development of a BSP is led by the PBS Practitioner who conducts the FBA and writes up the plan, however a good BSP is also developed in collaboration with the Participant and their key stakeholders to ensure that the BSP is not only comprehensive, but person centred.
What are the key components of a Behaviour Support Plan?
Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) contain a range of tailored strategies that not only focus on behaviours of concern, but also on positive strategies ensuring the person has access to things that are important to them. They emphasize teaching new skills and reinforcing desirable behaviours, which may involve teaching communication, social, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. These are known as Proactive Strategies.
BSPs may also include crisis intervention strategies to manage severe or dangerous behaviours. These strategies are designed to keep the Participant and those around them safe from harm and outlines how to respond to such situations safely and effectively. These are known as Reactive Strategies.
A good BSP has more Proactive Strategies than Reactive ones. This helps to ensure that the focus of the plan is not just on the behaviours of concern, but also supports the Participant to have a good life that is enabling and supports capacity building.
Who needs a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is recommended for Participants who regularly engage in behaviours of concern to the extent that it severely impacts on their life or those around them, or it results in the use of restrictive practices.
Having a BSP means that everyone consistently follows the same strategies, and its effectiveness can be monitored by the PBS Practitioner using data. BSPs are not static documents; they are regularly reviewed and revised based on the Participant’s progress and changing needs. Adjustments may be made to the strategies and goals as necessary.
Where can a Behaviour Support Plan be used?
In order for Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) to be successful, they should be used in various settings that the Participant accesses, including schools, residential facilities, and community-based services. Everyone who is supporting the Participant should work collaboratively and follow the plan.
Contact National 360
National 360 Behaviour Support Services provides a high-quality evidence-based and person-centred approach to people who have approved behaviour support funding in their NDIS Positive Behaviour Support plans.
If you’d like to learn more about our Behaviour Support services, visit our website here, or get in touch with our friendly team using the details below:
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