2.1 The range of support services available to those involved in episodes of behaviour that is challenging

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 2.1 The range of support services available to those involved in episodes of behaviour that is challenging.

Understanding the support services available for those involved in episodes of challenging behaviour is important for providing comprehensive care. These services can offer invaluable resources not only to individuals exhibiting challenging behaviour but also to their families, carers, and support workers. Below, you’ll find information on these support services, designed with a support worker like you in mind.

What Are Challenging Behaviours?

Before diving into the support services, let’s clarify what we mean by challenging behaviour. Challenging behaviours are actions that can cause physical harm, emotional stress, or disrupt daily life for the person exhibiting the behaviour and those around them. Examples include aggression, self-injury, and severe disobedience.

NHS Services

General Practitioners (GPs)

GPs are often the first point of contact. They can provide an initial diagnosis and recommend specific therapies or treatments. They can also refer individuals to specialist services.

Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT)

CMHTs usually consist of various healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. They offer multidisciplinary assessments and ongoing support. Services include counselling, medication management, and specialised behavioural therapies.

Educational Support

Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO)

In educational settings, SENCOs play an important role in identifying and supporting students with challenging behaviours. They develop personalised learning plans and work with school staff to implement strategies that help manage behaviour.

Educational Psychologists

These professionals assess behavioural issues within the school setting and recommend specific interventions. They can also offer training to teachers to better manage challenging behaviours in the classroom.

Social Care Services

Social Workers

Social workers offer support to both individuals and families dealing with challenging behaviours. They can arrange for services like respite care, day centres, and residential care if needed.

Respite Care

Respite care provides temporary relief for primary carers, allowing them time to rest while ensuring the individual receives appropriate care. This can take place at home, in specialised centres, or in residential settings.

Specialist Behavioural Services

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

PBS is a person-centred approach focused on improving the quality of life for the individual and those around them. It involves understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviours and developing methods to address them positively.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

ABA is a therapeutic approach that uses techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive changes in behaviour. It is particularly effective for individuals with autism.

Emergency Services

Crisis Teams

Crisis teams, often part of NHS mental health services, provide immediate support during a behavioural crisis. They are available 24/7 and can prevent the need for hospital admission by managing the crisis promptly.

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

Sometimes, episodes of challenging behaviour may result in physical injuries or severe distress. A&E departments can offer immediate medical intervention in such cases.

Voluntary and Community Organisations

Mencap

Mencap provides support for people with learning disabilities and their families. They offer services like advocacy, educational resources, and social activities.

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity offering programmes to help individuals cope with challenging behaviours. They provide resources, helplines, and peer support groups.

Parent and Carer Support

Carer Support Groups

Support groups allow carers to share experiences, advice, and emotional support. These can be local community groups or online forums.

Family Support Services

These services offer counselling, workshops, and advice specifically tailored for family members of individuals exhibiting challenging behaviours. They aim to build resilience and coping strategies within the family unit.

Employment Support

Job Coaches

Job coaches help individuals with challenging behaviours find and maintain employment. They work closely with employers to create a supportive work environment.

Supported Employment Services

These services provide tailored support to help people with challenging behaviours prepare for, obtain, and retain employment. Support may include vocational training, job matching, and on-the-job support.

Housing Support

Supported Living Services

Supported living services offer a more independent living arrangement while providing the necessary support. This could include assistance with daily tasks and managing challenging behaviours.

Residential Care

For those who need more comprehensive support, residential care homes offer specialised care plans tailored to manage and reduce challenging behaviours.

Mental Health Services

Counselling and Psychotherapy

These services provide a safe space for individuals to explore the causes of their challenging behaviours and develop coping mechanisms. They can be short-term or long-term, depending on the needs of the individual.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS provide specialised mental health support for children and adolescents. They offer various interventions, including family therapy, individual counselling, and medication management.

Technology-Based Support

Mobile Apps

Various mobile applications can help manage challenging behaviours. These apps often provide tools for monitoring behaviour, offering strategies for intervention and tracking progress.

Online Therapy

Online therapy provides flexible access to professional help, which can be particularly beneficial for those unable to attend in-person sessions.

Training and Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Workshops and Seminars

Many organisations offer workshops and seminars aimed at improving the skills of support workers in managing challenging behaviours. Topics may include behaviour management strategies, communication techniques, and stress reduction.

Accredited Courses

Completing accredited courses, like the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges, enhances your understanding and equips you with practical skills to manage challenging behaviours effectively.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the range of support services available is key to providing effective care for those exhibiting challenging behaviours. Utilising these resources can make a significant difference in managing such behaviours and improving the quality of life for everyone involved. Always remember, you’re not alone in this journey—lots of support is available to assist you every step of the way.

Example answers for unit 2.1 The range of support services available to those involved in episodes of behaviour that is challenging

Example Answer 1

As a support worker, I would first turn to the NHS Services for help. I would make an appointment with the individual’s GP to discuss the challenging behaviours they’re exhibiting. The GP can provide an initial assessment and refer us to a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), which has a range of professionals like psychiatrists and social workers. These teams are great because they offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing behaviour.

Example Answer 2

In an educational setting, I’d collaborate closely with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). They can help design personalised learning plans tailored to the individual’s needs. Also, an Educational Psychologist can come in to assess the situation and recommend effective strategies for classroom management. This support can make a huge difference in how the person copes with their educational environment.

Example Answer 3

For social care support, I would engage a social worker who can provide a broader range of services for both the individual and their family. They can arrange things like respite care, giving primary carers a much-needed break. Respite care is important for maintaining the well-being of both the individual and their carers, and it can take place in various settings including at home or in specialised centres.

Example Answer 4

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) would be a great specialised service to look into. PBS focuses on understanding why the person is exhibiting challenging behaviours and then creating tailored methods to manage these behaviours positively. This method aims to improve overall quality of life and is very person-centred. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is another effective approach, especially for individuals with autism. ABA uses specific techniques to bring about positive behavioural changes.

Example Answer 5

In a crisis situation, I would contact the local Crisis Team, which offers 24/7 support to manage immediate behavioural issues. This team can often prevent the need for a hospital stay by providing timely interventions. If the situation escalates to a point where physical injury or severe distress occurs, I would take the individual to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department for immediate medical support.

Example Answer 6

Organisations like Mencap and Mind offer significant help. Mencap provides advocacy and social activities for people with learning disabilities. Mind offers a range of mental health resources, including helplines and peer support groups, which can be very beneficial. Also, Parent and Carer Support services, including local carer support groups and family counselling, can offer the emotional and practical support needed to manage these challenging behaviours effectively.