Positive Behaviour Support That Puts People First.
Understanding behaviour. Supporting better everyday lives.
At DANS, Positive Behaviour Support starts with understanding the person: their experiences, communication, environment, needs and goals.
We work with NDIS participants and the people supporting them to develop practical, person-centred approaches that promote safety, independence and quality of life.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-informed approach to understanding behaviours of concern and improving a person’s quality of life.
Behaviour can communicate something important. A person may be experiencing pain, frustration, sensory overload, difficulties with communication, unmet needs or barriers in their environment.
PBS looks beyond the behaviour itself. It seeks to understand what is happening, why it may be happening and what changes could help the person feel safer, more understood and better supported.
Our guiding principle: The goal is not simply to stop a behaviour. It is to understand the person, improve their daily experience and support meaningful positive change.
Who Can Benefit From PBS?
PBS may be helpful when a person is experiencing behaviours of concern that affect their wellbeing, relationships, participation or safety.
People Seeking More Meaningful Support
Support that considers communication, daily routines, relationships, personal goals and opportunities for greater independence.
Families Looking for Practical Guidance
A better understanding of what may be contributing to distress and how supportive, consistent responses may help.
Providers and Support Coordinators
Clearer strategies and collaborative guidance that can help support teams respond consistently to a participant’s individual needs.
How We Support Participants
Positive Behaviour Support is a process, not just a document. Our service approach considers assessment, planning, collaboration and ongoing review.
Functional Behaviour Assessment
An assessment explores the circumstances surrounding behaviours of concern, including possible triggers, communication needs, environmental factors and what may be maintaining the behaviour.
Depending on the circumstances, information may be gathered through discussions, observations and relevant records, with appropriate consent and safeguards.
Behaviour Support Plans
An individualised Behaviour Support Plan sets out strategies based on the person’s needs, preferences, goals and assessment findings.
It may include ways to improve communication, prevent distress, build skills and support safer and more positive experiences.
Working With the Support Network
Effective behaviour support often involves cooperation between the participant, family, carers, support workers and other professionals.
With appropriate consent and information-sharing arrangements, practitioners can explain strategies and support more consistent implementation.
Monitoring and Reviewing Support
Behaviour support strategies should remain relevant as a person’s needs and circumstances change.
Progress, feedback and emerging concerns can inform reviews and adjustments to support strategies and plans where needed.
What Happens After a PBS Referral?
We aim to make the process understandable for participants and the people supporting them.
Referral and initial discussion
We review the referral, consider the person’s support needs and discuss service suitability, availability and next steps.
Service agreement and consent
Before services begin, we explain relevant arrangements, fees, consent and information-sharing requirements.
Getting to know the person
The practitioner gathers relevant information about the participant’s goals, circumstances, strengths and behaviours of concern.
Developing the support approach
Assessment findings inform person-centred recommendations and, where appropriate, an individualised Behaviour Support Plan.
Collaboration and review
We work with relevant people to explain strategies, consider feedback and review progress within the agreed service scope.
More Than Managing Behaviour
A useful support strategy should help the person experience more opportunities, better relationships, improved communication and greater participation in daily life.
We consider the broader circumstances that influence behaviour instead of focusing only on an incident or an isolated response.
- Respect for personal choice and dignity
- Consideration of communication needs
- Understanding environmental influences
- Proactive and evidence-informed strategies
- Collaboration with relevant support people
- Ongoing review and learning
Our goal
To support better quality of life through an understanding of each person’s individual needs, strengths and circumstances.
We believe positive change is more sustainable when people receive the right support in the right environment.
Our Approach to Restrictive Practices
Restrictive practices can limit a person’s rights and freedom and are subject to strict safeguards under the NDIS framework.
Positive Behaviour Support seeks to reduce and eliminate the need for restrictive practices by identifying safer, proactive alternatives and improving the person’s quality of life.
Where regulated restrictive practices are relevant, behaviour support planning must follow applicable NDIS requirements. Providers implementing regulated restrictive practices have distinct authorisation, implementation and reporting responsibilities.
Participant rights remain central. Behaviour support should respect dignity, promote involvement in decisions and prioritise the least restrictive appropriate approaches.
Can PBS Be Funded Through the NDIS?
Positive Behaviour Support may be funded through the NDIS where the relevant supports are included in a participant’s plan and meet applicable funding requirements.
Behaviour support is commonly associated with the Capacity Building category called Improved Relationships.
Funding availability, support arrangements and applicable charges depend on the participant’s individual circumstances and plan.
Not Sure About Your Funding?
You can contact DANS to discuss the referral process and the information needed to review service suitability.
Your support coordinator or plan manager may also help clarify the relevant funding and payment arrangements.
Ask DANS a QuestionQuestions About Positive Behaviour Support
What is the purpose of Positive Behaviour Support?
PBS seeks to understand behaviours of concern and improve quality of life through individualised, proactive and evidence-informed strategies. It considers the person’s needs, communication and environment rather than focusing solely on behaviour.
What is a Functional Behaviour Assessment?
A Functional Behaviour Assessment helps identify the purpose or function a behaviour may serve and the circumstances influencing it. The findings help inform appropriate support strategies.
What is a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan documents individualised strategies to better meet a person’s needs, improve quality of life and respond appropriately to behaviours of concern.
Can families and support workers be involved in PBS?
Yes. Collaboration may be important for understanding the person’s circumstances and supporting consistent approaches. Involvement must respect the participant’s wishes and applicable consent or representation arrangements.
How long does behaviour support take?
The timeframe depends on the person’s circumstances, assessment needs, service arrangements and any applicable regulatory requirements. Some plans involving regulated restrictive practices have specific statutory timeframes. DANS can explain the relevant process during intake.
Can I make a referral for someone else?
A family member, support coordinator, nominee or another support person may help initiate an enquiry or referral. DANS will consider the necessary participant consent, representation and information-sharing requirements before progressing.
Is Positive Behaviour Support the same as counselling?
No. PBS focuses on understanding behaviours of concern and developing strategies that improve everyday support and quality of life. Counselling and psychological therapies are different services, although collaboration between professionals may sometimes be appropriate.
How do I start a referral with DANS?
Visit our Make a Referral page and provide the requested information. Our team can then review the enquiry and advise on the next steps.
Information for Participants and Families
We believe understanding your support options, rights and safeguards is an important part of receiving quality services.
Start a Conversation About PBS
Whether you are an NDIS participant, family member, support coordinator or service provider, you can contact DANS to discuss a Positive Behaviour Support referral.
Call 02 9057 9011 or email info@danspbs.com.au