3.2 Agreed ways of working to protect an individual who presents with behaviour that challenges

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 3.2 Agreed ways of working to protect an individual who presents with behaviour that challenges.

Understanding “agreed ways of working” is really important in safeguarding both the individual and those around them when dealing with behaviour that challenges. Consistent, structured approaches ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone involved. In this section, we’ll cover the essentials of these agreed ways of working. Effective communication and a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities are crucial when managing challenging behavior. This includes having a thorough understanding of risk assessments, de-escalation techniques, and appropriate responses to different types of challenging behavior. By following agreed ways of working, professionals can ensure that the individual’s needs are met while also minimizing potential harm to themselves and others.

What Are Agreed Ways of Working?

Agreed ways of working are established procedures and guidelines that all staff must follow to provide consistent and safe care. These can include policies, procedures, risk assessments, and individual care plans. They are designed to protect both the service users and the carers.

Why Are They Important?

Agreed ways of working are essential for several reasons:

• Consistency: Ensures that everyone approaches challenging behaviour the same way.
• Safety: Reduces the risk of harm to the individual and others.
• Legality: Ensures practices comply with the law.
• Effectiveness: Proven strategies are more likely to succeed.
• Accountability: Provides a clear record of actions and decisions.

Key Components of Agreed Ways of Working

Individual Care Plans

Individual care plans are tailored to each person’s needs. These plans should include:

• Triggers: Identifying factors that may lead to challenging behaviour.
• Interventions: Steps to take when behaviour becomes challenging.
• Communication: Preferred methods of communication.
• De-escalation Techniques: Specific techniques that help calm the individual.
• Support Networks: Information about who can provide additional support, like family members or specialists.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are an essential part of agreed ways of working. They involve:

• Identifying Risks: Pinpointing potential dangers for the individual and others.
• Evaluating Severity: Assessing how severe these risks could be.
• Planning Interventions: Developing methods to mitigate these risks.
• Reviewing Regularly: Updating assessments to reflect any changes in behaviour or circumstances.

Training and Development

Staff training is important. Training should cover:

• Understanding Behaviour: Knowing why certain behaviours occur.
• Intervention Techniques: Skills for de-escalation and intervention.
• Communication Skills: Effective ways to communicate with individuals who have challenging behaviour.
• Legal Knowledge: Awareness of the legalities surrounding physical intervention.

Policies and Procedures

Clear policies and procedures provide a framework for managing challenging behaviour. These typically include:

• Behavioural Policies: Guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
• Intervention Procedures: Steps for intervening when behaviour becomes challenging.
• Recording and Reporting: How to document incidents and report them.

Protecting the Individual and Others

Proactive Strategies

Proactive strategies aim to prevent challenging behaviour before it occurs. These include:

• Structured Environment: Keeping a regular routine to reduce anxiety.
• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding positive behaviour to encourage it.
• Engagement Activities: Providing activities that keep the individual engaged and reduce boredom.

Reactive Strategies

When challenging behaviour does occur, reactive strategies come into play. These can include:

• Calm Communication: Using a calm tone and simple language.
• Personal Space: Giving the individual space to calm down.
• Distraction Techniques: Redirecting the individual’s focus to something else.

Physical Intervention

Physical intervention should always be a last resort. Guidelines for physical intervention include:

• Minimum Force: Only using the minimum force necessary.
• Safety First: Ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
• Legal Compliance: Following legal guidelines and organisational policies.
• De-Escalation: Aiming to move back to non-physical methods as soon as possible.

Communication and Reporting

Clear Communication

Effective communication is really important. Agreed ways of working should include:

• Team Meetings: Regular team meetings to discuss strategies and concerns.
• Documentation: Clear and thorough documentation of incidents.

Reporting Incidents

When challenging behaviour occurs, it’s important to report it properly:

• Detailed Records: Keeping detailed records of what happened, who was involved, and what actions were taken.
• Debriefing: Discussing the incident with the team to identify what worked and what didn’t.
• Review: Regularly reviewing reports to improve strategies and interventions.

Involving the Individual and Their Support Network

Person-Centred Approaches

Adopting a person-centred approach ensures that the individual’s needs, preferences, and rights are at the forefront. This includes:

• Active Participation: Involving the individual in planning their care.
• Respect and Dignity: Respecting their rights and ensuring their dignity.

Working with Families

Families and carers play an important role. Agreed ways of working should include:

• Family Meetings: Regular meetings to discuss progress and strategies.
• Consistent Approaches: Ensuring families and carers use the same strategies as support workers.

Final Thoughts

Agreed ways of working to protect individuals who present with challenging behaviour are essential for ensuring safety, consistency, and effectiveness in care delivery. By following individual care plans, conducting thorough risk assessments, maintaining comprehensive training, and adhering to clear policies and procedures, you can provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved. Effective communication, proactive and reactive strategies, and the involvement of the individual and their support network are all integral components of these agreed ways of working. By staying informed and committed to these guidelines, you can help manage challenging behaviour effectively and compassionately.

Example answers for unit 3.2 Agreed ways of working to protect an individual who presents with behaviour that challenges

Example Answer 1

As a support worker, I follow the individual’s care plan which outlines the specific triggers that may cause challenging behaviour. For instance, if loud noises are a trigger, I ensure that the environment is kept as quiet as possible. This reduces the risk of the individual becoming distressed and engaging in challenging behaviour. Consistency is key, so all team members adhere to the care plan to provide a stable and predictable environment.

Example Answer 2

In my role, conducting regular risk assessments is essential. These assessments help identify potential hazards and evaluate their severity. For example, if an individual is prone to sudden outbursts, we assess the environment to remove any objects that could potentially cause harm. This proactive strategy helps in minimising risks and ensures a safer environment for everyone involved.

Example Answer 3

Training and development are essential parts of my job. I attend regular training sessions to stay updated on the latest intervention techniques and communication skills. This training helps me effectively manage challenging behaviour by using de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement. Being knowledgeable about legal aspects also ensures that I am compliant with current regulations when physical intervention is necessary.

Example Answer 4

Clear communication is really important when managing challenging behaviour. I make it a point to document any incidents thoroughly, noting what happened, who was involved, and the actions taken. This detailed record-keeping helps in reviewing incidents and improving our strategies. Regular team meetings are also essential for discussing any new concerns or strategies that could be implemented.

Example Answer 5

Using proactive strategies, I aim to prevent challenging behaviour before it occurs. Engaging individuals in activities they enjoy helps keep them occupied and reduces boredom, which can be a trigger. For instance, if someone enjoys painting, I make sure they have access to art supplies. Structured routines also help in creating a sense of security and predictability, which can reduce anxiety and prevent challenging behaviour.

Example Answer 6

We involve the individual’s family in care planning to ensure a consistent approach across all settings. Regular family meetings help us discuss progress and any adjustments needed in the care plan. By involving families, we respect the individual’s needs and preferences, and ensure that even when they are not with us, the care they receive is consistent and supportive. This person-centred approach helps in managing challenging behaviour more effectively.