Creating Consistency in Positive Behaviour Systems: The Importance of Core Teams and Written Protocols

In the realm of positive behaviour support systems, achieving consistency and commitment is essential for meaningful change. This isn’t just the responsibility of individuals within the system—it must also be built into the system itself. The challenge comes when an individual requiring support interacts with a wide variety of caregivers, such as part-time staff, weekend relief workers, and family members. The lack of consistency among these different people can make it difficult to provide the high level of care necessary for behavioural change.

Based on our experience with working in challenging environments, one of the most effective solutions to this issue is the development of a "core team." In this blog, we will outline what a core team looks like, its responsibilities, and the role of written protocols in ensuring consistency across the board.

The Role of a Core Team in Positive Systems

A core team consists of dedicated staff members or caregivers who work closely with an individual and focus on managing challenging behaviours. Their consistency and close collaboration are essential for making progress. A well-established core team serves as a reliable framework, helping to align efforts, maintain continuity, and reduce confusion.

1.        Composition of a Core Team

At a minimum, a core team should consist of four staff members or caregivers. However, this team is not just about numbers—it’s about forming a deep connection with the individual. Team members should:

• Build rapport: Each team member should have a positive relationship with the individual. Trust and understanding go a long way in managing challenging behaviours.

• Have a vested interest in working through challenges: Not all caregivers will be equally invested in handling challenging situations. Core team members should be those willing to stay committed even when the going gets tough.

• Provide adequate coverage: One core team member should be on shift at all times. While it may be difficult to ensure that only core team members interact with the individual, having a member available to guide other staff ensures some consistency. This is especially important during high-need periods like weekends or evenings.

2.        Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is the backbone of a successful core team. Team members should meet regularly with behaviour consultants or psychologists to:

• Review individual progress and protocols.

• Participate in specialized training, such as Positive Systems Approaches (PSA), to refine their skills.

• Role-play challenging scenarios to ensure they are equipped to handle difficult behaviours in real-life situations.

3. Case Management

The core team is also responsible for the day-to-day case management, which includes:

• Scheduling appointments: Regularly monitoring and setting up appointments is crucial for maintaining the individual's progress.

• Data collection and analysis: Collecting behavioural data and analyzing patterns is essential for understanding what works and what doesn’t. This data-driven approach helps inform necessary adjustments to intervention plans.

The Vital Role of Written Protocols

Consistency is the key to achieving long-term behaviour change , and written protocols serve as a critical tool for maintaining this consistency. Developed in collaboration with professional teams (e.g., behaviour analysts and psychologists), written protocols ensure that everyone involved in care adheres to the same guidelines. This uniform approach is vital for safety, accountability, and the success of behavioural interventions.

1. Ensuring Safety

Written protocols outline essential safety measures to protect both the individual and the caregivers. These guidelines are crucial when working with challenging behaviours that may pose risks to those involved.

2. Legal and Ethical Guidelines

Protocols also help organizations and caregivers adhere to legal and ethical standards. By following these guidelines, caregivers can avoid legal pitfalls while ensuring that they provide high-quality, ethical care.

3. Training and Onboarding

Another key function of written protocols is to serve as a training tool. New staff members can reference these guidelines to understand best practices for managing challenging behaviours, ensuring that new personnel can quickly get up to speed.

4. Consistency in High-Stress Situations

In high-stress situations, caregivers can refer to protocols to guide their actions. Having a structured framework helps prevent impulsive decisions and inappropriate responses, ensuring a more thoughtful and consistent approach to interventions.

5. Facilitating Communication

Written protocols are also instrumental in ensuring clear communication across teams. Whether it’s among staff members or between service providers, these guidelines ensure that everyone is working toward the same goals with the same information.

6. Documenting and Adjusting Interventions

Tracking progress through written protocols and data documentation allows teams to identify behavioural patterns and adjust interventions as needed. This dynamic process ensures that strategies remain effective over time, allowing for regular updates based on new research or emerging best practices.

Protocols as Living Documents

It's crucial to understand that written protocols should not be considered static. As new research emerges and best practices evolve, these documents should be updated and refined. This continuous improvement process allows organizations to adapt to the latest knowledge and provide the most effective care possible.

Conclusion: Building an Effective Positive System

The success of positive systems in managing challenging behaviours lies in the combination of consistency, communication, and collaboration. By forming a dedicated core team and relying on detailed written protocols, organizations can ensure a more stable, supportive environment for individuals requiring care. When protocols are followed consistently and updated regularly, they not only protect individuals and caregivers but also pave the way for meaningful behaviour change.

The development of a core team may face practical constraints, such as funding or scheduling challenges. However, the long-term benefits of increased consistency, safety, and effective interventions far outweigh the obstacles, making this approach essential for sustainable success in behaviour support systems.

By working together and adhering to well-developed protocols, organizations can foster a positive environment where individuals with challenging behaviours can thrive.