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Behavioural Management

Some children who are looked after will present with challenging behaviour, including being physically and verbally abusive. This requires clear management in a controlled manner in order to reduce the incidences of the same behaviour happening again.

Principles

The welfare of a child or young person will always be paramount.

Children and young people will be valued as individuals with every effort made to meet their physical and emotional needs.  Differences in relation to race, religion, sexuality, gender and ability will be respected.

All care of children and young people will be based on promoting positive relationships with staff and with each other.

Management of challenging behaviour, including verbal and physical abuse, will be undertaken in a calm and controlled manner using the minimum intervention necessary.

Positive Behaviour Management

It is recognized that consistent positive care and feedback is vital to a child or young person's self esteem.  Children and young people need attention and if positive attention is not available they may seek negative attention by acting out in order to get attention of a negative type, which is better for their esteem than no attention at all.  The majority of children and young people in residential care have low self-esteem.

THE MOST IMPORTANT REWARD IS PRAISE AND ATTENTION

Any necessary boundaries and sanctions are delivered much more effectively within the context of a positive relationship.  Every effort should be made to develop a positive relationship with a child or young person.

Planning Positive Behaviour Management

Good planning is crucial to promote positive behaviour management on an individual and group basis.  It is necessary for all children and young people, from the time they arrive in a foster carers' home, and should never be simply a response to a problem that has arisen.  Planning is an on-going process, which needs to be reviewed regularly according to the progress of the child or young person.  It must include consideration of a child or young person's individual needs related to age, race, religion, gender, sexuality, social skills and vulnerabilities.