CARE - Positive Behavior Support (PBS)

CARE consultants are trained in the application of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) which is a set of research-based strategies used to increase quality of life and decrease problem behavior by teaching new skills and making changes in a student's environment. Positive behavior support combines:

Valued Outcomes
Positive behavior support (PBS) strategies are considered effective when interventions result in increases in an student's success and personal satisfaction, and the enhancement of positive social interactions across work, academic, recreational, and community settings. Valued outcomes include increases in quality of life as defined by a student's unique preferences and needs and positive lifestyle changes that increase social belonging.

Behavioral and Biomedical Science
Positive behavior support is based upon behavioral and biomedical science. Research in applied behavior analysis has demonstrated the importance of analyzing the interaction between behavior and the environment. From this perspective, behavior is considered purposeful and is under the control of environmental factors that can be changed. Positive behavior support assessment and intervention strategies are based upon research in applied behavior analysis and emphasize the importance of implementing intervention strategies that are effective in natural everyday settings.

Validated Procedures
Positive behavior support professionals implement system-level interventions to ensure the success of multiple interventions while working within everyday settings. Data collected to evaluate positive behavior support outcomes can include program evaluation measures, qualitative research, surveys, rating scales, interviews, correlational analyses, direct observation, and self-report information.

Systems Change
Many excellent positive behavior support plans are never implemented because of problems that are related to how a PBS plan was developed. These problems can be related to resource allocation, staff development issues, team building and collaboration, and the extent to which a positive behavior support plan is a good fit for the people who will implement it. Assessment and intervention strategies that consider the larger environment within an organization or home are needed in order to ensure the success of a positive behavior support plan.