Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS)
MEBS is a person-centred, dignity-driven framework for providing positive behaviour support, particularly for individuals facing behavioural challenges. It operates on the core principle that challenging behaviours are a form of communication, a “language” used by individuals who may not have other means to express their needs, desires, or discomfort. The aim of MEBS is to help individuals “find a voice” so that the challenging behaviour becomes unnecessary.
Key Components of the MEBS Approach
Proactive Support
Creating environments that meet individual needs, teaching new skills for independence and choice, and setting people up for success.
Dignified Responses
Using safe and respectful de-escalation techniques that respond to a person’s immediate needs, without the need for restriction.
Individualised PBS Plans
Tailoring support to each person’s unique strengths and needs, moving away from “one-size-fits-all” solutions.
Understanding Behaviour
Conducting thorough assessments to understand the underlying purpose or “function” of challenging behaviours.
Comprehensive Strategies
Developing detailed plans based on assessment that include both proactive strategies and safe reactive support.
Enhancing Lives
Aiming not only to reduce challenging behaviours, but also to improve a person’s skills, independence, and quality of life.
Ready to experience behaviour support that truly respects and empowers?
Discover the Centre for Positive Behaviour Support’s model, built on the Multi-Element Behaviour Support framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Person-centred: The individual’s needs, strengths, and preferences guide support planning.
- Proactive: MEBS focuses on preventing behaviours by creating supportive environments and teaching new skills.
- Non-aversive: Responses are safe, respectful, and dignity-based.
- Assessment-led: Support is based on understanding the function of behaviour.
- Collaborative: Families, professionals, support teams, and the person work together.
- Quality of life focused: The aim is to improve participation, independence, relationships, and wellbeing.
- Rights-based: MEBS aligns with human rights principles, participation, empowerment, and accountability.
- Functional assessment: Understanding the person, their environment, and the purpose of behaviour.
- Plan development: Creating a behaviour support plan with proactive and reactive strategies.
- Implementation: Supporting the team to use the plan consistently and respectfully.
- Review and adjustment: Monitoring outcomes and updating supports as the person’s needs change.
MEBS is different because it focuses on understanding the reason behind behaviour and replacing the need for challenging behaviour through skill development, environmental changes, and respectful support.
If restrictive or aversive interventions are currently in place, MEBS can support teams to work towards their reduction and removal through safe, evidence-informed alternatives.
- Improved quality of life.
- Reduced frequency and severity of challenging behaviours.
- Increased skills, choice, and independence.
- Improved relationships with families, staff, and support networks.
- Greater dignity, empowerment, and participation.
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