Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach to understanding behaviour and developing practical strategies that aim to improve quality of life. At Aruma, behaviour support practitioners work with participants, families, carers and support teams to understand each person’s strengths, needs and goals — and put individualised support into practice.
Whether you’re exploring behaviour support services for the first time, already receiving support or working alongside a participant, understanding the process creates a more collaborative approach to behaviour support.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support looks at the reasons behind behaviours that may be causing concern or difficulty. The focus is on understanding the person: what matters to them, how they communicate their needs and preferences, and what support may help them participate in everyday life. This understanding informs practical strategies and an individual Behaviour Support Plan.
The aim is to improve quality of life while keeping the person’s needs, preferences and circumstances central to decisions. This includes supporting communication, building skills for independence and participation, and using proactive strategies to reduce the need for restrictive practices.
What does a behaviour support practitioner do?
Aruma’s PBS practitioners work with participants and their support networks to assess behaviour, develop individualised plans and help people use the strategies in everyday settings. Their work includes:
- Conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments to better understand the function and meaning of behaviour.
- Developing Behaviour Support Plans based on individual needs and goals, and supporting their implementation.
- Providing advice on positive behaviour support strategies.
- Offering education, training, consultation and coaching for families, carers and support teams.
- Reviewing restrictive practices and supporting associated compliance requirements.
How does a Behaviour Support Plan work in everyday life?
A Behaviour Support Plan connects an understanding of the person’s behaviour with practical strategies tailored to their needs and goals. Developing the plan is one part of an ongoing process. Practitioners also help the people involved understand how to put it into practice and review how it is working.
In accommodation services, this involves collaboration between the participant, practitioner, family and support team. Day-to-day information helps practitioners monitor progress, identify patterns and review strategies. Training helps staff understand the plan and any relevant restrictive practice requirements, while information shared across services supports a consistent approach.
How are participants, families and carers involved?
Participants and the people who know them contribute important insights into their strengths, communication, preferences and daily experiences. Aruma’s practitioners work with families, carers, advocates and support workers to build this understanding. Sharing what is working and what may need to change helps keep strategies relevant to the person’s life.
Where are Aruma’s Positive Behaviour Support services available?
Aruma provides Positive Behaviour Support services across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and Victoria (VIC). Service areas include:
- ACT: Canberra and surrounds.
- NSW: Sydney, the Central Coast, Hunter, Mid North Coast, New England, Northern Rivers and Southern NSW, including the Illawarra, South Coast and Albury–Wodonga area.
- Queensland: Brisbane, including Beenleigh and Logan; the Gold Coast, including Burleigh Heads and Tweed Heads; the Sunshine Coast; Toowoomba and surrounding areas.
- Victoria: metropolitan Melbourne, Swan Hill, Shepparton and surrounding areas.
Explore Positive Behaviour Support with Aruma
Looking for behaviour support services for yourself, someone you support or a customer? Talk with Aruma about Positive Behaviour Support and the services in your area. If you already receive support, speak with your practitioner or support team about your goals, your plan and how strategies are working day to day.
