What is Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS)?
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 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 figure out the underlying purpose or “function” of challenging behaviours.
- Comprehensive Strategies: Developing a detailed plan based on the assessment that includes both proactive measures and reactive support.
- Enhancing Lives: Aiming not just to reduce challenging behaviours, but also to significantly improve a person’s overall skills and quality of life.
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Key Principles of MEBS:
- Person-Centred: The individual’s unique needs, strengths, and preferences are paramount in the development of any support plan.
- Proactive Strategies: MEBS emphasizes preventing challenging behaviours by creating supportive environments, teaching new skills, and strengthening relationships.
- Non-Aversive Reactive Strategies: When challenging behaviours do occur, the focus is on safe, dignified de-escalation methods, avoiding punishment or restraint.
- Functional Assessment: A cornerstone of MEBS, this involves thoroughly understanding the purpose or function of a challenging behaviour.
- Collaborative Approach: A team including professionals, family members, and the individual works together to create and implement the support plan.
- Focus on Quality of Life: Beyond just reducing challenging behaviours, MEBS aims to significantly improve the individual’s overall quality of life.
- Human Rights-Based: MEBS is deeply rooted in human rights principles, aligning with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ emphasis on Participation, Empowerment, Non-discrimination, Accountability, and direct linkage to human rights.
How MEBS Works:
- Functional Assessment: This is the initial and comprehensive step, involving a deep dive into understanding the reasons behind a person’s challenging behaviour. It’s a two-part process: ‘getting to know the person’ and ‘getting to understand the behaviour.’ This assessment gathers information through interviews, questionnaires, record reviews, formal assessments, and direct observations, involving the individual, family, and support staff.
- Develop a Multi-Element Behaviour Support Plan: Based on the assessment findings, a detailed plan is formulated. This plan integrates both proactive strategies (to prevent behaviours from occurring) and reactive strategies (to manage behaviours safely if they do occur).
- Implement the Plan: The support team puts the plan into action with ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
- Evaluate and Adjust: The plan is regularly reviewed and modified to ensure it remains effective and responsive to the individual’s evolving needs.
What Makes MEBS Different?
MEBS distinguishes itself from other behaviour services through its unwavering commitment to a positive, rights-based approach. While some “behaviour management” services may incorporate restrictive or aversive interventions, MEBS, as a model of Positive Behaviour Support, explicitly excludes such strategies. Its focus is on understanding the function of the behaviour and then systematically replacing the need for challenging behaviour through skill development and environmental changes.
If restrictive or aversive interventions are currently in place for an individual, MEBS can be a powerful tool to work towards their removal. In such cases, the MEBS model would be a major part of the overall “behaviour management” service, with a clear goal of eliminating these restrictive practices by addressing the root causes of the challenging behaviour. The individual would also benefit from advocacy and human rights monitoring to ensure their rights are upheld throughout this process.
Benefits of MEBS:
- Improved Quality of Life: Leads to a more positive and fulfilling life for individuals facing behavioural challenges, supporting community presence and participation in daily life.
- Reduced Challenging Behaviours: By addressing the underlying reasons for behaviours, MEBS can significantly decrease their frequency and severity.
- Enhanced Skills and Independence: Helps individuals develop new skills, leading to greater independence and self-reliance.
- Improved Relationships: Strengthens relationships between individuals and their support systems, fostering a more positive and understanding environment.
- Empowerment: Individuals are actively involved in their support planning, leading to greater self-determination.