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• Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) under NDIS and Behaviours of Concern

What are the Behaviours of Concern?

It is a general question, but behaviour concerns are totally different from person to person; in general, there is no one size to fit all, but here are some samples which may help you to have a clear understanding of the behaviour of concern:

• Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to excess or in a way that is harmful to oneself or others can be a significant behaviour of concern.
  
• Disruptive behaviour may include yelling, interrupting, or refusing to follow the rules or instructions.
  
• Aggression: Physical or verbal aggression towards others can be a severe behaviour of concern. This interaction may include threatening or intimidating behaviour, yelling, pushing, hitting, or throwing objects.
• Self-harm: This refers to any behaviour that intentionally harms oneself, such as cutting, burning, or other forms of self-mutilation.
  
• Sexualized behaviour: Any sexual and inappropriate or unwelcome behaviour can be a behaviour of concern. This action may include unwanted touching, sexual comments, or exposing oneself.
  
• Bullying: Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, or online harassment. It can involve spreading rumours, exclusion, or intimidation.
  
• Withdrawal or isolation refers to behaviours where an individual is disconnected from others or avoids social interaction. This action may indicate a mental health concern or a problem with social skills.
  

It is essential to assess the behaviour of concern in the context in which it occurs and consider the individual's history, personality, and other factors. It is important to note that the behaviour of concern may differ for different people and in other contexts. What may be considered inappropriate behaviour in one setting may be acceptable in another.

The term "behaviours of concern" refers to behaviours that can be challenging, disruptive, or potentially harmful to oneself or others. These behaviours are often associated with individuals with cognitive, developmental, or psychological disorders but can also occur in people experiencing significant stress or emotional distress. Some examples of behaviours of concern may include aggression, self-harm, property destruction, substance abuse, verbal or physical outbursts, and non-compliance with rules or authority figures.

Behaviours of concern can be particularly challenging to manage in specific settings, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and correctional institutions. Addressing these behaviours proactively and compassionately is essential to promote safety and well-being for all involved. Strategies for managing behaviours of concern may include counselling, therapy, medication, behavioural interventions, environmental modifications, and crisis management plans.

What is the Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)?

A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) outlines specific strategies and interventions to address challenging behaviours in an individual. The plan is developed by professionals, including psychologists, counsellors, educators, and caregivers. The goal is to thoroughly assess the individual's behaviour, environment, and needs.

The primary goal of a BSP is to help the individual learn new behaviours that are more adaptive and functional while reducing or eliminating problematic behaviours. The plan will typically identify the triggers or antecedents that lead to challenging behaviour and the consequences that reinforce the behaviour. Based on this information, the team will develop proactive and reactive strategies to address the behaviour and promote positive outcomes.

Examples of strategies that may be included in a BSP include:

• Positive reinforcement for desirable behaviours
• Teaching alternative behaviours to replace problematic behaviours
• Modifying the environment to reduce triggers or increase support
• Providing visual or verbal cues to prompt appropriate behaviour
• Developing a crisis management plan to address dangerous or emergencies
  

A behaviour plan is a structured approach to addressing and modifying behaviours of concern. A behaviour plan aims to help individuals develop more appropriate and adaptive behaviours while reducing or eliminating problematic ones. Here are some potential improvements that can be achieved by implementing a behaviour plan:

• Improved quality of life: Behaviour plans can help individuals with behaviours of concern to feel more in control of their behaviour and environment, leading to a better quality of life.
• Increased social engagement: By developing more appropriate social skills and behaviours, individuals with behaviours of concern may be better able to interact with others, make friends, and engage in social activities.
• Increased academic or occupational success: Problematic behaviours can interfere with academic or occupational success. Behaviour plans help individuals focus on tasks, follow directions, and maintain appropriate behaviour in educational or occupational settings.
• Enhanced self-esteem: Individuals with behaviours of concern may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their behaviours. By improving their behaviour, they may feel more confident and have higher self-esteem.
• Improved relationships: Problematic behaviours can strain relationships with family members, friends, and others. By improving their behaviour, individuals may be better able to maintain positive relationships with others.
• Reduced risk of harm: Certain behaviours of concern, such as self-harm or aggression, can pose a risk to the individual and to others. Behaviour plans can help to reduce these risks and keep everyone safe.
  

Overall, implementing a behaviour plan can lead to a range of positive outcomes, depending on the individual and their specific needs. The key is to tailor the program to the individual, considering their strengths, challenges, and goals.

Key Elements of Behaviour Support Plan

A BSP is a living document that should be regularly reviewed and revised to ensure its effectiveness in promoting positive behaviour change.

A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) typically includes several key elements to effectively address and manage challenging behaviours. These elements may vary depending on the individual's specific needs and circumstances but include the following:

1. Assessment: A comprehensive assessment of the individual's behaviour, environment, and personal needs is conducted to identify the antecedents, triggers, and consequences of the challenging behaviour.
2. Goals: Specific goals and objectives are established to promote positive behaviour change and reduce the frequency and intensity of problematic behaviours.
3. Strategies: A set of proactive and reactive approaches are developed to address challenging behaviour. These strategies may include positive reinforcement for desirable behaviours, teaching alternative behaviours to replace problematic behaviours, modifying the environment to reduce triggers, providing visual or verbal cues to prompt appropriate behaviour, and developing a crisis management plan to address dangerous or emergencies.
4. Implementation: The BSP is implemented by a team of professionals and caregivers trained and equipped to provide support, guidance, and intervention as needed.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: The individual's progress is regularly monitored and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the BSP in promoting positive behaviour change. The plan may be revised to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
6. Collaboration: Collaboration and communication among the team members, caregivers, and other stakeholders are essential for successfully implementing the BSP. This may include regular meetings, progress reports, and ongoing training and support for all involved.
   

By incorporating these essential elements, a Behavior Support Plan can help to effectively address challenging behaviours and promote positive behaviour change for individuals with complex needs.

Who can develop a Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behavior Support Plan (BSP) is typically developed by a team of NDIS-registered professionals trained and experienced in working with individuals with challenging behaviours. This team may include psychologists, behaviour analysts, counsellors, social workers, educators, and other professionals with expertise in behavioural assessment, intervention, and support.

The team will typically work closely with the individual and their family members, caregivers, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive BSP that addresses their unique needs and circumstances.

In some cases, a BSP may be developed as part of a formal behaviour intervention plan (BIP) in a school or other educational setting. In these cases, the team may include the individual's teacher, school psychologist, and other school staff supporting the individual's behaviour.

Working with individuals who have challenging behaviours can be complex and requires specialised knowledge and skills. It is essential to seek qualified professionals who can provide effective and evidence-based support to individuals with problematic behaviours. It is important to note that individuals with the appropriate training and qualifications should only develop a BSP.

Developing a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) requires the collaboration of a team of professionals, including:

1. Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - A BCBA is a professional who has specialised training in behaviour analysis and is qualified to design, implement, and supervise behaviour intervention plans.
   
2. Mental Health Professionals - Mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counsellors can provide insight into the psychological and emotional aspects of the behaviour and help address any underlying mental health concerns.
3. Educators - Educators such as teachers, school administrators, and exceptional education professionals can provide valuable input regarding the behaviour in question and help identify triggers and antecedents.
4. Family Members - Family members can provide essential information about the individual's history, preferences, and routines and offer support and feedback throughout the planning process.
5. Direct Support Professionals - Direct support professionals (DSPs) who work directly with the individual daily can provide valuable information about the individual's behaviour patterns, preferences, and routines.

Who can implement a Behaviour Support Plan?

The team responsible for implementing a BSP may work directly with the individual and their family members, caregivers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the behaviour support strategies and interventions outlined in the plan are effectively implemented and monitored over time.

In some cases, the team may include trained and qualified non-professionals, such as direct support staff or caregivers, who have received appropriate training and support to effectively implement the strategies outlined in the BSP.

Note that implementing a BSP should only be done by individuals with the appropriate training, qualifications, and experience. Working with individuals who have challenging behaviours can be complex and requires specialised knowledge and skills. It is essential to seek qualified professionals who can provide effective and evidence-based support to individuals with challenging behaviours.

Support Workers Reports

Support workers typically report regularly to document the progress of the individual they are supporting and to communicate any issues or concerns that may arise. The frequency of reports may vary depending on the individual's needs and goals and the funding body or service provider's requirements.

Support workers may be required to submit daily, weekly, or monthly reports to their supervisor or service provider to update the individual's progress, any incidents or accidents, and any changes in their behaviour or needs. These reports may include information such as:

• Activities and goals achieved
• Challenges encountered
• Any changes in behaviour or mood
• Any medical or health concerns
• Any incidents or accidents that occurred
• Any changes in the individual's routine or environment

The frequency and format of the reports may vary depending on the specific requirements of the funding body or service provider. Some may require electronic documentation or specific reporting templates, while others may allow for more flexibility in reporting methods.

It is essential for support workers to keep accurate and up-to-date records of their interactions with the individuals they support, as these reports may be used to inform the development of individual support plans and to monitor progress towards goals.

What are the regulated restrictive practices?

Regulated restrictive practices are interventions or measures used to restrict the rights or freedom of movement of an individual with a disability. These practices are subject to strict legal and ethical guidelines to ensure that they are only used when necessary and that the individual's human rights are respected and protected. Some examples of regulated restrictive practices include:

• Physical Restraint: Using physical force or a device to prevent an individual from moving or leaving a particular area.
• Chemical Restraint: The use of medication to control an individual's behaviour or restrict movement.
• Seclusion: The confinement of an individual to a room or other enclosed space from which they cannot leave.
• Environmental Restraint: The use of physical barriers or devices to restrict an individual's access to certain areas or activities.
• Restrictive interventions in Education settings: These include measures such as restraint, seclusion, timeout or withdrawal that are used to modify behaviour of students with disability.
  

The use of regulated restrictive practices is only allowed in certain circumstances, such as when the safety of the individual or others is at risk and must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards and monitoring to ensure that they are used in a safe and ethical manner.

It is important to note that regulated restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and alternative strategies and interventions should always be considered first. Using restrictive practices can harm an individual's physical and emotional well-being and potentially violate human rights.

Can a family member apply regulated restrictive practices?

Family members are generally not authorised or trained to apply regulated restrictive practices. These practices are subject to strict legal and ethical guidelines and should only be used by trained professionals who are authorised to do so.

However, family members and other caregivers can play an essential role in supporting individuals with challenging behaviours by working with trained professionals to implement positive behaviour support strategies and interventions. These strategies may include proactive approaches to behaviour management, such as identifying triggers for challenging behaviours and developing strategies to prevent or redirect them before they occur. Additionally, family members can work with trained professionals to create a supportive and structured environment that promotes positive behaviours and minimises the need for restrictive practices.

It is essential for family members and caregivers to work closely with trained professionals and to be aware of the legal and ethical guidelines surrounding the use of restrictive practices. These practices should always be a last resort, and alternative strategies and interventions should be explored first.

NDIS Line Items and Rates

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds various behavioural interventions and support services for eligible individuals with disabilities. Some everyday line items and rates for behaviour intervention and support services include:

• Behaviour Support Assessment: This line item provides funding for a comprehensive assessment of an individual's challenging behaviour to identify the causes and develop a Behavior Support Plan.
• Behaviour Support Plan Implementation: This line item provides funding for implementing a Behavior Support Plan, including delivering behaviour support strategies and interventions by a qualified behaviour support practitioner.
• Behaviour Management Training: This line item provides funding for training and support for family members, caregivers, and other stakeholders in implementing behaviour support strategies and interventions.
• Therapeutic Support: This line item funds individual or group therapy sessions to address the underlying emotional, psychological, or social factors contributing to challenging behaviour.
  

It is important to note that the rates for behaviour intervention and support services may vary depending on the location and the specific needs of the individual. Participants are encouraged to work closely with their NDIS planner or support coordinator to develop a plan that meets their specific goals and requirements and to regularly review and adjust their schedule to ensure they receive the support and services needed to live a fulfilling life.

Written by:
Saber Oujani
NDIS Registered Behaviour Support Provider
Able to Serve Community
NDIS Registration: 4-4GHG-628