Positive Behaviour Support

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  Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence‑based, person‑centred approach that helps people improve their quality of life by understanding behaviour, meeting unmet needs, and creating supportive environments.
It focuses on the individual, the people around them, and the systems that support their daily life.
PBS aims to build capability, reduce stress, and create conditions where people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.

PBS is grounded in human rights and dignity. It recognises that all behaviour has a purpose and prioritises proactive, preventative strategies across all environments — home, community, school, work, and support settings.

  Behaviours of concern are actions that may be unsafe for the person or for others.
PBS seeks to understand the reason behind these behaviours — not blame the person — and to create supportive environments that reduce stress, meet needs, and improve wellbeing.

PBS helps people to:

• Experience a better quality of life
• Receive support that aligns with their needs, preferences, and goals
• Be supported by trained staff who understand best‑practice strategies
• Build stronger, more positive relationships
• Have more choice and control
• Learn new skills and coping strategies
• Participate in their community
• Feel understood, respected, and supported
• Reduce or eliminate the use of restrictive practices

Behaviours of concern often arise from unmet needs, communication challenges, sensory differences, trauma histories, or environmental stressors. 

PBS focuses on teaching new skills, improving environments, and supporting the whole team around the person to respond consistently and respectfully. 

  PBS is delivered by a Specialist Behaviour Support Provider who works closely with the person, their support network, and relevant services. This process usually includes:

• Getting to know the person and understanding their needs
• Conducting      assessments to explore what is happening and why
• Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
• Supporting the implementation of the plan
• Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies over time

PBS is a collaborative process involving the person, their family, carers, and support workers. 

Assessments may include observations, interviews, data collection, and reviewing existing supports.

Implementation support and regular review ensure strategies remain effective, relevant, and aligned with the person’s goals.

The goal is always long‑term, sustainable improvement in wellbeing and quality of life.

  There are two types of Behaviour Support Plans used within PBS:

Interim Behaviour Support Plan

A short‑term plan focused on immediate safety while a full assessment is completed.

Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan

A detailed plan based on assessment and understanding the reasons behind behaviour. It includes proactive, skill‑building strategies designed to create lasting positive change.

A Behaviour Support Plan may include:

• Strategies to meet the person’s needs
• Ways to support the person differently
• Skill‑building and coping strategies
• Steps to keep everyone safe
• Information about behaviours of concern
• Guidance for support staff
• Plans to reduce or eliminate restrictive practices

Plans must meet NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.

If restrictive practices are included, they must be authorised and reported as required by law.

Behaviour Support Plans are living documents that evolve as the person grows, learns, and changes.