A support network is made up of the people who work together to help an individual live a safe, meaningful, and fulfilling life. This can include:
- Family members.
- Support coordinators.
- Carers and disability support workers.
- Therapists (speech, occupational, psychology).
- Friends and community members.
When it comes to implementing a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) under the NDIS, the support network plays a vital role in ensuring strategies are applied consistently, respectfully, and effectively.
Consistency Is Key
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) relies heavily on consistent implementation across all settings: home, school, work, and community.
If strategies are applied differently in different environments, it can confuse and reduce the effectiveness of the plan. Consistency helps the individual:
- Understand expectations.
- Feel safe and supported.
- Develop and maintain positive skills.
When every member of the support network follows the BSP in the same way, outcomes are more reliable and long-lasting.
Shared Understanding and Communication
For PBS to work, everyone involved must understand:
- The person’s needs, preferences, and triggers.
- The proactive and reactive strategies are outlined in the BSP.
- How progress will be measured.
This shared understanding can be supported through:
- Shared behaviour plans that all team members can access.
- Regular debriefs to discuss successes and challenges.
- Behaviour logs to record patterns and track progress.
Clear, open communication within the support network ensures everyone is working toward the same goals.
Emotional Support and Advocacy
A good support network does more than follow a plan; it creates an environment where the person feels valued, respected, and heard. This emotional safety is key to promoting positive behaviour.
Support networks also act as advocates by:
- Ensuring the individual has access to the right resources.
- Speaking up when changes to the BSP are needed.
- Protecting the person’s rights and dignity under the NDIS.
Advocacy helps ensure the individual’s needs remain front and centre in all decision-making.
The Role of Training and Ongoing Involvement
Training ensures that every member of the support network understands how to use PBS strategies effectively. This is particularly important for family members and carers who may not have formal behaviour support experience.
PBS also encourages ongoing involvement by:
- Inviting support networks into the planning process.
- Providing opportunities for feedback.
- Reviewing strategies together to ensure they stay relevant.
When the whole team is skilled, informed, and engaged, the individual is more likely to achieve positive long-term outcomes.
Stronger Together
A united, informed, and committed support network is one of the most powerful tools for promoting positive behaviour. With shared understanding, consistent application, and genuine care, individuals can build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we work closely with families, carers, and professionals to ensure the whole support network is empowered to deliver the best possible outcomes. Our approach is holistic, collaborative, and always person-centred.
