Behavioural Support
Program Description
This program supports children and their families in situations where challenging behaviors may be interfering with the child’s social, community, and emotional growth and development. The goal of the program is to enhance the child’s quality of life through communication, sensory integration, skill development, and positive behavioral strategies. A behavioral strategist works with children and their families to:
- Better understand why the child is presenting with challenging behaviors
- Identify and explain the communicative function underlying the child’s behavior
- Implement support and teaching strategies to shape more positive behaviors from the child
- Advocate with school and community resources about the support needs of the child
- Liaise with school and community professionals in developing a wraparound approach that focuses on positively reducing behavioral challenges
The strategist works closely with Child and Youth Workers and other professional disciplines (SLP, Education, OT, PT) to implement and support behavioral plans and goals.
This program also provides comprehensive workshops on behavioral assessment and the rationale for positive behavior support for community partners, families, and individuals providing support for people with special needs.
How to Access This Program
To access this service, you must have a child between the ages of 6 and 19 with a developmental disability. Referrals for children under age 6 will be considered on a case to case basis. Referrals are made through the Ministry of Children & Family Development. Families and individuals who have alternate funding may purchase this service directly, without referral. To find out more about the program, please contact our Director of Child & Youth Services John Heffernan at 604-467-8700 Ext 112 or by email at john.heffernan@rmacl.org
