A positive behaviour support practice framework for disability and community services in Australia that prioritises human rights and evidence-based practices.

PURPOSE: This paper introduces a practice framework for individualised positive behaviour support (PBS). The framework incorporates existing function-based PBS principles and integrates contemporary research and Australian legislation to frame practice elements through a human rights lens. It is designed to support people with disability of varied aetiologies across the lifespan in various settings (e.g. home, schools, and aged care). METHODS: Existing research and literature have been reviewed, including key theories and current formulations to inform a new practice framework that reflects recommendations for applications in community settings. RESULTS: The PBS Pathway (PBS-P) framework promotes culturally sensitive and socially valid strategies for empowering the person and their supporters via a clear practice framework. It emphasises evidence-based practices while acknowledging the need for flexibility to meet individual needs. CONCLUSIONS: The PBS-P framework offers a pragmatic approach and focused lens for critical thinking and reflective applications within PBS. It promotes a universal approach across the lifespan and service settings, contributing to a shared understanding of PBS as a rights-based practice. The framework's alignment with current legislation supports adoption within existing systems; however, successful implementation requires skilled practitioners, adequate funding, and policies to support knowledge translation.

The positive behaviour support pathway framework guides individualised practices for people across the lifespan and service settings, with emphasis on data-based decision making to inform socially and culturally valid intervention planning.The framework aligns with current legislation and addresses current concerns relating to poor behaviour support practices and urgent recommendations for practices that protect and promote human rights.

"It's Opened My Eyes to a Whole New World": Positive Behaviour Support Training for Staff and Family Members Supporting Residents With Dementia in Aged Care Settings.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the acceptability and usefulness of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training in enhancing the capabilities of support staff and family members providing behaviour support to residents with dementia in residential aged care (RAC). METHODS: A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted across 3 RAC organisations, involving pre- and post-training questionnaire assessments for clinical leaders (n = 8), support staff (n = 37) and family members (n = 18). RESULTS: Findings indicated increased confidence among support staff and family members in providing behaviour support, with 96% indicating it would support their practices across settings. Key training benefits included identifying and addressing underlying causes of challenging behaviours. A majority (89%) expressed the need for further behaviour support training. CONCLUSION: Recommendations focus on developing systems to enable effective and collaborative behaviour support practices. Further research is needed to examine application of PBS principles and planning for residents living with dementia.