Top Strategies for Managing Behaviours of Concern

Managing behaviours of concern is a critical challenge, especially for caregivers and professionals supporting children in care. Research in Adelaide reveals that 61.0% of children in home-based foster care experience significant behavioural issues, with 35.2% of adolescents scoring above the clinical threshold for concern. Even more alarming, 6.7% of 13-17-year-olds in foster care attempted suicide, requiring medical treatment in the past year. Despite the urgent need for support, only 26.9% of children who required mental health assistance received professional help in the last six months.

You're not alone if you struggle to understand and manage challenging behaviours. Many caregivers and professionals face similar difficulties, often overwhelmed and unsure of the best approach. The good news? You can create a more supportive environment that encourages positive behavioural change with the right strategies.

In this article, we’ll break down practical, research-backed strategies for identifying triggers, setting clear boundaries, using positive reinforcement, and leveraging technology for behaviour management. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to handle behaviours of concern confidently. Keep reading to discover how you can make a real difference.

Key Takeaways

Behaviours of Concern (BoC) stem from underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or sensory overload and require individualised assessment and intervention strategies.
Collaboration between the care team and practitioners is essential for understanding the context of behaviours and developing effective Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs) that promote positive changes in a person’s behaviour.
Technology plays a crucial role in behaviour management, utilising apps and data collection tools to track behaviours, inform interventions, and enhance the overall effectiveness of support strategies.

What is Behavior of Concern (BoC)?

Behaviours of Concern (BoC) are actions that require management due to their potential impact on individuals or communities. Developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, can influence these behaviours, leading to difficulties in communication and relationships. These behaviours, often exhibited by individuals with disabilities, pose challenges not only to the person displaying them but also to those around them. Understanding that the behaviour, not the individual, is the issue that needs addressing is crucial. Practitioners working with people with disabilities commonly use the term ‘behaviours of concern’ to describe actions that can interfere with learning, relationships, and overall well-being.

Since the impacts of behaviours of concern vary for each person, considering individual needs is important when addressing these behaviours. A person’s behaviour might stem from stress, sensory overload, or emotional distress, so understanding these triggers is key to effective intervention. Lacking social skills can hinder interactions, causing frustration and leading to concerning behaviours. A comprehensive approach that considers the individual’s history, personality, and context is necessary.

Legal frameworks for managing behaviours of concern prioritise the rights and dignity of individuals. These frameworks are often influenced by models of disability, which shape policy and practice surrounding behaviour management for people with disabilities. Focusing on the behaviour and its triggers, rather than blaming the individual, allows for the development of effective strategies that promote positive behaviour and support overall well being.

Common Examples of Behaviours of Concern

Research shows that 22.7% of school-going children exhibit behavioural problems such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and impulse control issues. These behaviours often stem from stress, difficulty understanding boundaries, or underlying mental health concerns. Managing them requires clear strategies, structured support, and effective interventions to foster positive change. Common examples include:

Physical aggression
Verbal aggression
Harm to self
Property damage/destruction
Withdrawal or isolation
Harmful sexualised behaviour

In severe cases, these behaviours can pose risks of harm not only to the individual exhibiting the behaviour but also to those around them.

These examples highlight the necessity of developing effective behaviour support plans and behaviour intervention strategies.

Physical Aggression

Physical aggression involves the intentional use of force that may cause harm, injury, or damage to another person, object, or oneself. It can include behaviours such as hitting, punching, kicking, and acts of intimidation through physical presence. These actions contribute to serious societal issues, including the perpetuation of violence and the disruption of social stability. Victims of physical aggression often suffer from physical injuries, fear, anxiety, and depression, emphasising the importance of effective prevention and intervention strategies.

People with sensory sensitivities may react negatively to overwhelming stimuli, leading to behaviours of concern leading to aggression. These extreme responses often stem from difficulties integrating sensory information, resulting in confusion and challenging behaviours. Understanding and addressing these sensory challenges is crucial for promoting positive behaviour and ensuring the physical safety and safety risks of all individuals involved.

Vernal Aggression

Verbal aggression involves shouting, making threats, and calling names, contributing to a toxic atmosphere and breaking down communication and trust. The psychological effects on individuals receiving verbal aggression can be profound, including lowered self-esteem, increased anxiety, depression, and fear.

To address verbal aggression, it’s important to understand the underlying communication difficulties and implement strategies that foster positive interactions.

Harm to Self

Self-injury, or deliberate self-harm, includes actions like head-banging, cutting, or self-biting. This behaviour is particularly challenging to address due to its secretive nature and the feelings of shame or guilt that individuals may experience.

Intervening effectively requires understanding the underlying emotional pain or trauma driving the behaviour and implementing supportive strategies to promote emotional well-being.

Property Damage/Destruction

Property damage/destruction involves deliberate damage to property or belongings, which can lead to tangible damage, financial costs, and emotional or psychological issues. Individuals who engage in property damage/destruction may struggle with impulse control disorders, severe stress, or anxiety. The social consequences of such behaviour can strain relationships and potentially result in legal action.

Understanding the causes of property damage/destruction and implementing strategies to manage impulse control and emotional distress are essential for addressing this behaviour.

Withdrawal or Isolation

Withdrawal or isolation refers to avoiding interaction and not taking part in activities. It also includes showing signs of social disengagement. This behaviour can signal significant underlying emotional or psychological issues, such as social anxiety or past bullying experiences. Prolonged withdrawal can lead to disruptions in everyday life and overall well-being, exacerbating feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

To address withdrawal, it’s essential to understand and meet the needs that may be driving this behaviour.

Harmful sexualised behaviour

Harmful sexualised behaviour refers to developmentally inappropriate sexual actions, from using explicit language to inappropriate touching, coercion, or sexual violence. It can also include persistent masturbation despite redirection, forcing others into sexual play, or engaging younger children in sexual conversations. These behaviours often stem from exposure to family violence, neglect, or past abuse. Managing such behaviours requires clear boundaries, supervision, and non-shaming interventions. Professionals should use prepared scripts to redirect actions while addressing the root causes.

Prioritising safety and therapeutic support is essential for both the individual and others. Understanding the underlying factors helps in providing appropriate guidance. A compassionate, structured approach ensures better long-term outcomes.

How to Assess Behaviours of Concern?

The first step in addressing a person's behaviours of concern is a thorough assessment. This process focuses on identifying the function of the behaviour and understanding the context in which it occurs. Factors such as the individual’s history, personality, and the specific setting (e.g., schools, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions) must be considered to develop effective interventions. Building strong relationships between staff and individuals exhibiting challenging behaviours is crucial for successful intervention.

Effective assessment also involves collaboration between care teams and practitioners. Key components of a successful practitioner partnership include communication, respect, trust, commitment, and equality. Working together, tailored interventions can be developed that address the individual’s unique needs and promote positive behaviour change.

Frequency, Intensity, and Duration

When assessing behaviours of concern, the primary metrics to consider are frequency, intensity, and duration. Excessive or disproportionate intensity in a behaviour may indicate that it is a cause for concern.

Behaviour management apps and data collection tools can help practitioners analyse trends in behaviours over time, providing valuable insights for developing effective interventions. Persistent withdrawal from social interaction, for example, may indicate significant interference with an individual’s daily life and well-being.

Functional Behaviour Assessment

A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) focuses on uncovering the purposes of behaviours and the surrounding environmental influences. This approach aims to identify the causes and aims of individual behaviours in their context, providing a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour. Collaboration among the care team during functional behaviour assessments ensures a holistic understanding of the individual’s needs and triggers.

Those involved in Functional Behaviour Assessments (FBAs) must consider the individual’s history and context. Tailoring assessments to the unique context of each person and their care team is essential for developing effective behaviour support plans and interventions.

Understanding the specific triggers and environmental factors influencing the behaviour allows practitioners to create targeted strategies that promote positive behaviour change and overall well-being.

Strategies for Managing Behaviours of Concern

Once behaviours of concern have been assessed, the next step is to develop and implement strategies for managing these behaviours and encouraging positive behaviours. Various approaches can be taken, depending on the individual’s needs and the specific behaviours being addressed.

Key strategies include Positive Behaviour Support, Behaviour Support Plans, and the role of support staff in implementing these plans.

Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a proactive framework aimed at improving behaviours through understanding and support. This approach emphasises teaching alternative behaviours rather than merely punishing undesirable behaviours. Preventing behaviours of concern often involves addressing basic unmet needs, as these can be the root of disruptions. For example, ensuring that a child is not hungry, tired, or feeling neglected can significantly reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviours.

Recent legislation emphasises the need to document and evaluate alternative strategies before applying restrictive measures. Effective data collection can inform tailored interventions that are specific to the individual’s needs, promoting positive outcomes and reducing the need for restrictive practices.

PBS focuses on proactive and supportive strategies to create an environment that fosters positive behaviour and overall well-being.

Positive Behaviour Support Plans

A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBSP) is designed to effectively address challenging behaviours and promote positive behaviour change. These plans are developed by registered Behaviour Practitioners and should be tailored to address specific triggers, including strategies for behaviour modification. Regular review and revision of Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP) ensure their effectiveness and allow for adjustments based on the individual’s progress and changing needs.

Technology plays a significant role in developing Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSPs), with many apps providing features for tracking behavioural progress, customisable settings, and functionalities for setting goals and providing feedback to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of behaviour management, allowing practitioners to develop more targeted and supportive interventions.

Role of Support Staff

Support staff play a critical role in the daily implementation of Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP), providing hands-on support and ensuring that the strategies outlined in the plans are effectively carried out.

Accurate documentation by support staff aids in tracking the effectiveness of strategies employed and making necessary adjustments to the plans. Their involvement is vital in providing consistent support and promoting positive behaviour change.

What Are the Causes of Behaviour of Concern?

Understanding the underlying causes of behaviours of concern is crucial for developing effective interventions. Behaviour can often serve as a form of communication, indicating individual needs or distress. Identifying immediate triggers and underlying factors is essential for addressing the root causes of challenging behaviours.

Key areas to explore include communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and unmet needs.

Communication Difficulties

Struggles with verbal communication can result in behaviours such as aggression or self-harm. Behaviours of concern can arise when individuals feel neglected, isolated, or experience basic needs that are not being met.

Addressing these communication difficulties is essential for promoting positive social interactions and reducing problematic behaviours.

Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory sensitivities involve heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs such as sounds, lights, textures, and smells. Individuals with sensory sensitivities may experience discomfort or distress in environments that contain overwhelming sensory stimuli.

Challenging behaviours can be a response to sensory overload or a lack of appropriate sensory input, necessitating an understanding of the individual’s sensory profile. Creating a supportive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities may include implementing calming strategies, minimising overwhelming stimuli, and providing sensory breaks.

Unmet Needs

Unmet needs can trigger acting out when hungry, tired, or feeling neglected. Behaviours of concern can arise when individuals face communication difficulties, unmet needs, lack of social skills, and emotional regulation issues.

Addressing these unmet needs is crucial for promoting positive behaviour and overall well-being.

What Are the Legal Considerations for BoC?

Legal and ethical considerations play a crucial role in managing behaviours of concern. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plays a significant role in providing resources and services for behavioural interventions tailored to the specific goals and needs of participants. Regulated Restrictive Practices (RRPs) are interventions that are legally defined and must adhere to specific regulations to ensure the rights and safety of individuals.

When implementing these practices, it is essential to balance the necessity of the intervention with the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals receiving support. Family involvement is also critical, as families can provide insights and support that enhance the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Practitioners and care teams must work together to ensure that interventions are both legally compliant and ethically sound.

Effective behaviour management hinges on a thorough understanding of legal frameworks and ethical guidelines. Documenting and evaluating alternative strategies before considering restrictive practices ensures that all interventions prioritise the individual’s well-being and human rights. This approach fosters a supportive environment where individuals can thrive without compromising their dignity or safety.

Regulated Restrictive Practices

Regulated Restrictive Practices (RRPs) aim to limit the rights of individuals with disabilities. They are designed to restrict their freedom of movement. Family members should be aware of the legal and ethical guidelines surrounding these practices, as improper use can harm physical and emotional well-being and potentially violate human rights.

Always explore alternative strategies and interventions before using restrictive practices. This approach prioritises more positive methods first. It’s important to note that family members are generally not authorised or trained to apply regulated restrictive practices.

Practitioners must ensure that all interventions are in the best interest of the individual’s safety and dignity.

Family Involvement

Family involvement is vital in supporting behaviour management through collaboration with professionals. Effective partnerships between families and practitioners hinge on strong communication and mutual respect. Informed consent is crucial and must be obtained from the individual or their legal decision-maker before the use of restrictive practices.

Families and professionals working together can create a supportive environment that promotes positive behaviour and emotional well-being.

Technology and Tools for Behaviour Management

Technology plays a vital role in behaviour management by providing tools that assist in tracking and managing behaviours effectively. Behaviour management apps and data collection tools are designed to help individuals track, manage, and prevent behaviours of concern, enhancing communication and intervention strategies.

This provides valuable insights into behaviour patterns, informing interventions and tracking progress over time. Here’s the details:

Behaviour Management Apps

The Behaviour Help App aims to assess and manage behaviours of concern. It also offers suggestions for immediate interventions to prevent these behaviours. The Behaviour Help App can help in the long term. It prevents harmful impacts from concerning behaviours. Caregivers, educators, parents, and practitioners can benefit from using the app to track behavioural progress and implement effective strategies. These apps provide a comprehensive platform for managing behaviours, making it easier to develop and adjust behaviour support plans based on real-time data.

Behaviour management apps enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of behaviour management by offering customisable settings, goal-setting functionalities, and feedback mechanisms. These features allow for more targeted interventions and consistent monitoring of behavioural progress. Leveraging technology allows practitioners to provide more personalised and timely support, leading to better outcomes for individuals with behaviours of concern.

Data Collection Tools

Data collection tools are essential for understanding behaviours of concern, informing interventions, and tracking progress. Suggested tools for collecting data include behaviour management apps, questionnaires, and ABC charts. These tools help practitioners analyse behaviour patterns, leading to more effective management strategies.

By employing these tools, individuals and support teams can enhance their understanding and response to behaviours of concern, ultimately promoting positive behaviour and well-being.

Insights to Remember

Understanding and managing behaviours of concern is a multifaceted challenge that requires a comprehensive approach. By defining these behaviours, assessing their causes, and implementing effective management strategies, we can promote positive outcomes for individuals and their communities. Key strategies include Positive Behaviour Support, Positive Behaviour Support Plans (PBSP), and leveraging technology to track and manage behaviours.

Legal and ethical considerations, as well as family involvement, are crucial in ensuring that interventions prioritise the individual’s rights and well-being. By working together, we can create supportive environments that foster positive behaviour and overall well-being. Let’s continue to strive for a better understanding and management of behaviours of concern, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Behaviours of Concern?

Behaviours of Concern are actions that pose a risk to individuals or communities, negatively affecting learning, relationships, and overall well-being. Effective management of such behaviours is essential for fostering a positive environment.