Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to supporting individuals who engage in behaviours which pose a risk of harm to themselves or those around them, or which put them at risk of exclusion or the use of practices which restrict their freedoms and rights. Positive Behaviour Support is collaborative, proactive, and considerate of the individual’s life circumstances.

The primary objectives in Positive Behaviour Support are to build capacity – for the individual being supported and those supporting them – and to improve quality of life. Positive Behaviour Support helps the individual being supported to have choice and control in their life, to participate in their community, to build and maintain relationships, to learn skills and coping mechanisms, and to be safe.

Behaviour Support Practitioners conduct thorough assessments to understand the reasons for behaviours of concern, develop comprehensive and individualised behaviour support plans containing evidence-based strategies, provide training to the key people in the individual’s environment, monitor to ensure that the behaviour support plan is effective, and adjust as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes and improved quality of life for all involved.

High-quality Positive Behaviour Support is practiced within a human rights framework, meaning that there is a strong focus on upholding and protecting the rights of the person with disability.