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Understanding Positive Behavioural Support

An Introduction to Positive Behavioural Support

Positive Behavioural Support PBS is an evidence-based approach designed to improve the quality of life for individuals demonstrating behaviours of concern. It emphasises proactive strategies, empowering communities to foster positive outcomes. But what exactly is Positive Behaviour Support, and how can it benefit individuals with behavioural care needs?

The primary aim of PBS is to enhance an individual’s overall wellbeing by promoting positive behaviours while addressing any behaviours of concern effectively. The goal is to create a supportive environment that meets the individual’s specific needs, emphasising empowerment and respect.

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PBS at a Glance

Evidence-based approach to supporting individuals with behaviours of concern

Enhances quality of life through implementing techniques to promote positive behaviours

PBS Four Ps: person-centred, prevention, positive reinforcement and partnership – an approach to provide tailored support and achieve positive behaviours

PBS is often helpful for individuals with learning disabilities or autism who demonstrate behaviours of concern

Understanding PBS Plans

A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) serves as a blueprint for implementing PBS strategies effectively. Within a PBSP, you’ll find several key components:

Assessment of Needs

Understanding the individual’s unique background and behaviours, informed by direct observations in multiple environments.

Goals and Objectives

Clear targets for improving positive behaviours, tailored to the individual’s goals.

Intervention Strategies

Preventative methods to reduce the need for interventions, and strategies for doing so only when it is determined to be in the individual’s best interest to protect them for harm.

Who can write a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?

Typically, this task is undertaken by trained professionals, such as Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners, who are proficient in identifying effective strategies tailored to individuals.

The Four Ps to Support Positive Behaviour

The four Ps aim to create nurturing environments that encourages positive behavioural outcomes and reduces instances of behaviours of concern.

They include:

Person-Centred

Tailoring support to meet individual needs

Prevention

Proactively addressing potential triggers of behaviours of concern to prevent crisis

Positive Reinforcement

Encouraging and rewarding positive behaviours

Partnership

Collaborating with the individual, their family, friends, care team and support network for cohesive support

Helpful Information

We’ve created clear, easy-to-follow advice and support articles to help you navigate your search for care and support.

Behaviours of Concern

A guide to understanding what are behaviours of concern

Care & Support FAQs

Explore answers to helpful care and support FAQs

Supported Living

Discover what is classed as supported living, along with the benefits.

Training and Professional Support

To ensure effective implementation, ongoing Positive Behaviour Support training is vital. A Positive Behaviour Support specialist can assist with:

Developing individualised support plans

Training staff in effective PBS techniques

Providing ongoing supervision and adaptation of strategies based on feedback and outcomes

These skilled professionals serve as critical resources in fostering knowledge and skills within teams, driving effective support delivery.

PBS Frequently Asked Questions

What are behaviours of concern?

Behaviours of concern includes actions that may pose a risk to oneself or others. Identifying triggers helps formulate effective PBS strategies.

How can Positive Behaviour Support benefit individuals?

It can improve their emotional wellbeing and social relationships, allowing individuals to interact positively within their environment. PBS can also empower the independence of individual with complex care needs, enabling them to take a more active role in their support. Ultimately, an individual with long-term PBS support will experience a higher quality of life.

Who can benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?

PBS is a person-centred framework for providing long–term support to people with a learning disability or autism, including those with mental health conditions, who have, or may be at risk of developing, behaviours of concern.

What can I expect from a Positive Behaviour Support specialist?

A specialist can assess individual needs, create detailed support plans, and train staff on best practices to promote positive behaviours.

Is Positive Behavioural Support related to Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)?

PBS did develop from Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), but it emerged specifically as a response to concerns about how ABA was being applied in some cases where highly restrictive practices were used. PBS represents a significant shift away from those older approaches, emphasising person-centred values, quality of life improvements, and the reduction of challenging behaviour through understanding its underlying causes rather than simply controlling it.

Each person’s support is individually tailored rather than following a ‘one size fits all’ model, and a good PBS provider will actively seek feedback from clients and their support networks about their experiences.

Our Approach to PBS

As a leading complex care provider, we are dedicated to delivering tailored PBS services that truly enhance lives across the North West and Yorkshire. Our PBS Specialist conducts thorough assessments of behaviours and provides expert guidance, which is discussed collaboratively with the individual, their family, and healthcare professionals. This ensures a consistent, person-centred approach to PBS that meets each individual’s unique needs and support positive outcomes.