Positive behaviour
Children and young people who have experienced trauma have particular challenges to overcome. Some kids enter care with a mistrust of adults and a belief that they have to look out for themselves. Because of that, they may react or behave in ways that carers find difficult to manage.
What is a Behaviour Support Plan?
Where a child or young person exhibits challenging behaviour that goes beyond what you can reasonably be expected to manage as a carer, a Behaviour Support Plan may be required. The plan is prepared by a psychologist or similar expert who is skilled in working with challenging behaviour.
A Behaviour Support Plan may also be appropriate when positive parenting approaches and behaviour support strategies have not successfully addressed the behaviour.
A Behaviour Support Plan is developed to:
- strengthen the positive behaviours and personal interests of the child or young person
- understand the causes and underlying functions of the presenting behaviour, including the effects of trauma
- equip you with appropriate strategies and skills to address or prevent challenging behaviours which have concerning consequences for the child or young person, or other members of your household
- clearly identify the circumstances under which any restricted practices can be used within the context of behaviour management, and to include the appropriate authorisation of those.
Your caseworker should review the Behaviour Support Plan with you within the first few weeks, and then every three months from then on.
Using a psychotropic drug in a Behaviour Support Plan
Psychotropic medication may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for a child or young person’s diagnosed mental illness, psychiatric disorder or contributory psychiatric symptoms. When a child or young person is prescribed a psychotropic drug, the law requires that it forms part of their Behaviour Support Plan.
The use of psychotropic medication must not be the primary strategy for a child or young person with challenging behaviour. In the Behaviour Support Plan, the use of psychotropic medication should be considered in conjunction with positive behaviour support strategies.
Using a restricted practice in a Behaviour Support Plan
Restricted practices may only be included in a Behaviour Support Plan after a range of less restrictive options have been tried. The use of restricted practices as punishment or for reasons of convenience is prohibited.
Behaviour Support Plans that include a restricted practice are authorised for a maximum of three months only.