Participant Support Procedures > Positive Behaviour Support on Activities
Authorised by Chief Executive Officer
Revised Date: 16 January 2020
An option for a “quiet area” needs to be factored into all planned activities that include participants who may require some time away from others.
A quiet area can comprise of the following, a separate room or area, where the participant can be safely left alone. An area can also be a car or bus, when on outdoor activities.
A support worker needs to be allocated to take control of “quiet time”, and to talk to the participant, when the participant is calm.
If needed an additional car needs to go on outings, to allow for a “quiet area”.
Procedure for Quiet Time:
•If a participant shows signs of anxious/agitated behaviour, the participant is to be reminded that they may access the “quiet area”.
•Participants can request quiet time when they feel the need.
•Grumbling, mutterings, rudeness can sometimes be an indicator of aggressive behaviour and may indicate the need for time away from others.
•When in the quiet area, allow the participant to reach a calm state. Counsel when calm.
•If behaviours escalate, the participant may be taken home as a last resort. Phone the participants home to ensure someone is at home.
•A blanket needs to be part of the quiet area for warmth.
If “quiet areas” are used by group members, record the behaviours in the shift notes. Notify the program planner or team leader within 24 hours.
Quiet time is not a punishment and should never be used as such.
A participant may have planned seclusion to manage behaviours of concern, but this is a regulated restrictive practice and must be documented in a Behaviour Support Plan.
Staff are required to document behaviours or issues, when on activities. Staff are to record behaviours on Carelink+ and directly to Team Leaders or the relevant Manager.
Records also need to be kept in their participant file.
See Also:
Star Behaviour Monitoring Chart CCF-45
Participant Behaviours of Concern Information Sheet CCF-87