The network includes individuals who have completed practitioner level training for positive behaviour support (PBS), forming a group of providers knows as the EPN. The network supports individuals with a learning disability, autism or complex needs who display challenging behaviours. To be part of the network, individuals must take part in regular clinical supervision and complete practitioner level training.
A "behaviour can be described as challenging when it is of such intensity, frequency, or duration as to threaten the Quality of Life and/ or the physical safety of the individual/others and is likely to lead to responses that are restrictive, aversive or result in exclusion" ('Challenging behaviour - a unified approach', RCPsych, BPS, RCSLT, 2007).
More complex individuals, such as those involved in Tier 4 Mental Health interventions, will need a more experienced professional, such as a behaviour certified practitioner as opposed to referring to the below services. PBS is intended as a preventative approach and is better applied when the individual has not yet reached crisis point.
Before making a referral or reaching out to one of the services, consider:
- whether the preferred mode of communication is being used by those who support the individual
- if there is already a person-centred support plan in place, and if it is being followed
- how the individual is spending their day - whether they are being active or have friends and a social network
- whether there are any outstanding issues which have not yet been addressed that may be influencing their behaviour.
Professionals can refer to the following positive behaviour support experts:
|
Service |
Cohort |
Referral process |
|---|---|---|
|
Snapdragons |
3 to 17 |
Via the Public Health school nursing team. Find out more on the Medway Community Healthcare website. |
|
Fortis Trust Outreach service |
3 to 18 |
Email Lorraine Lewin at lorraine.lewin@fortistrust.co.uk. |
|
Parenting worker |
2 to 18 Using as part of existing caseload as opposed to receiving referrals |
Referred by professional by emailing medway.parenting@medway.gov.uk. |
|
Children Services - Fostering |
0 to 18 fostered |
Raise through supervising social worker to email amanda.coleman@medway.gov.uk. |
|
YOT |
10 to 18 Custodial or community sentence or preventative work for offending |
Referrals made through police or court. In some instances social services may be able to refer dependent on the situation. |
|
Kent Autistic Trust |
18 to 25 |
Professional referral via email to Tamsin Conquest at tamsin@kentautistic.com or Paul Cairns at pcairns@kentautistic.com. |
Individuals are part of the network alongside their existing caseload and may not always be able to take a case forward.
Practitioners may also recommend alternative services or approaches in the interim or as an alternative.
You may find the following resources useful if your referral is unable to be taken forward: