Positive Behaviour Support

Our Positive Behaviour Support services are available across the ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC.

We provide Behaviour Support in these areas:

ACT: Canberra and surrounds

NSW Central Coast: Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, Bateau Bay, Umina, Lake Munmorah and surrounds

NSW Hunter: Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Morisset and surrounds

NSW Mid North Coast: Taree & Forster

NSW New England: Armidale, Quirindi Tamworth and surrounds

NSW Northern Rivers: Lismore, Ballina and surrounds

NSW Southern: Illawarra, South Coast, Albury, Wodonga and surrounds

NSW Sydney: Metro, Northern beaches, Inner West, Western Sydney and surrounds

QLD Southeast: Brisbane, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Logan and surrounds

VIC Melbourne: Metro and surrounds

VIC Regional: Swan Hill, Shepparton and surrounds

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based, person-centred approach that helps people who experience behaviours of concern. PBS focuses on:

• recognising that behaviour is a form of communication, and developing an understanding of why a behaviour occurs
• improving the person’s quality of life
• teaching new skills
• adjusting the environment to better suit the person’s individual differences and support needs.

Behaviours of concern are behaviours that:

• cause harm or risk to the person or others
• limit access to everyday activities, relationships or community inclusion
• result in restrictive practices being used in an effort to promote safety for the person or those around them.

PBS involves four primary components.

Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) – the FBA helps us understand the person, their unique personality and support needs, and why the behaviour might be occurring.

Positive Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) – a BSP is a written document based on the outcomes of the FBA. It includes proactive strategies addressing the underlying causes of the behaviour, and response strategies that promote safety for the person and others when behaviours of concern occur.

Implementation, training and review – we provide ongoing training and support to the person and their support network, making sure everyone is able to implement the strategies effectively. Regular review is undertaken to ensure the strategies are effective and reflect the person’s current support needs and goals.  

PBS can be used for anyone who experiences behaviours of concern, with varying funding options depending on the person’s situation. This may include:

• NDIS participants with Improved Relationships funding included in their NDIS plan
• children and young people living in out-of-home care (OOHC)
• participants receiving funding under the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme (icare)
• people who are privately funded

PBS is delivered by NDIS behaviour support practitioners, who must be:

• suitably qualified and endorsed under the PBS Capability Framework
• registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Only NDIS-registered practitioners can develop plans that include restrictive practices.

Restrictive practices are any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person in response to behaviours of concern.

Within the NDIS context, restrictive practices are separated into five main categories: chemical restraint, physical restraint, mechanical restraint, environmental restraint and seclusion.

Under PBS, restrictive practices are:

• used only as a last resort
• subject to strict approval and oversight
• designed to promote safety for the person and others
• actively worked towards being reduced and eliminated

Reporting and authorisation requirements for restrictive practices vary depending on whether the person lives at home, in the community with support from an NDIS provider, or in a care placement as part of out-of-home care (OOHC).

PBS is not a quick fix. Timeframes depend on:

• complexity of the behaviour and support needs
• consistency of implementation
• environmental factors
• skill-building needs

Generally, the practitioner will draft an interim BSP within four weeks. This will focus on promoting safety and reducing triggers. A comprehensive BSP based on the outcomes of the assessment will be developed within one to five months.

Positive behaviour support is a collaborative approach between the person and their support network. This often includes the person’s family, allied health and medical team, and other supports such as support workers.

Families and support workers are essential to PBS success. Their roles include:

• providing information during assessment
• implementing strategies consistently
• monitoring changes and progress
• giving feedback during reviews

PBS works best as a team approach.

Yes. PBS is a multi-lensed approach, meaning it draws on a range of practice models and frameworks to inform the assessment and interventions. PBS:

• prioritises safety and predictability
• avoids punishment and coercion
• recognises the impact of past trauma
• supports emotional regulation and trust
• promotes collaboration with the person and key stakeholders

Direct observations across multiple support environments are a core part of the assessment process. Our behaviour support practitioners can provide support in the home, workplace, day program, supported accommodation setting or school. Telehealth appointments and consultations within an Aruma office are also an option where appropriate.

Positive behaviour support at Aruma can be funded through a number of different pathways. These include:

• NDIS, where you have Improved Relationships funding included in your NDIS plan
• icare, through the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme
• DSOA (Disability Support for Older Australians)
• OOHC, through the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)

If you’re not sure which funding option applies to you, get in touch with our team and we can help you work it out.