What is Positive Behavior Support?

Positive Behavior Support (PBS; also called Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is one type of positive support. Positive Behavior Support is used to improve the quality of a person’s life at any age. Positive Behavior Support is also helpful because it can be used to prevent or decrease challenging behavior. The tools and strategies used in PBS are based on the science of behavior and medical research. Positive Behavior Support is used in early childhood centers, schools, residential, employment, juvenile justice, and many other settings to improve the lives of all people. Universal supports that increase person-centered interactions and encourage positive social behaviors are part of Positive Behavior Support. The process includes watching for signs that a problem might get worse and making changes that improve quality of life. This helps decrease the need for an individual plan for any one person.

Sometimes a plan for one person is needed because problems are difficult to solve. The first step in a Positive Behavior Support plan is to help the person create a team who can help. The team works with the person to list the actions that will improve the person’s quality of life and prevent problems. These plans often include making changes across home, school, work, and community settings.

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The words "positive behavior support" are written on three separate blocks stacked vertically. The background of the picture is a textured blue surface.
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