One complementary CEU is available for watching this event and completing the short quiz. Which can be found here.

On the 28th of November, Dave O’Regan, Chair of the ISBA sub-committee on Positive Behaviour Support, provided an overview of the ISBA guidance on safe and effective PBS. The session included a presentation on the launch of the Caseload Benchmarks for Behavioural Support, a framework developed to enhance Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) in Ireland. Rooted in ISBA’s Position Statement on Positive Behavioural Support, these benchmarks provided clear, research-informed guidance on caseload management, aiming to ensure high-quality, rights-based, and sustainable supports for those with behavioural support needs.

ISBA Position on Positive Behavioural Support
The ISBA Position Statement on PBS situated Positive Behavioural Support as a rights-based, person-centred framework. Designed to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern, PBS emphasised support tailored to the unique values, goals, and needs of each individual, prioritising interventions that were collaborative, non-aversive, and respectful of personal autonomy and human rights.

Guidance on Caseload Benchmarks
Attendees received an in-depth walkthrough of the Caseload Benchmarks, a tool created to provide standards based on current literature, professional guidance, and clinical expertise. These benchmarks, which recommended a maximum caseload of 10 individuals per full-time practitioner in Tier 3 support (adjusted to 6-8 for individuals with complex needs), were designed to reflect the time-intensive nature of effective behavioural support.

Foundational Literature and Clinical Expertise
The benchmarks were developed by integrating findings from major studies, team case studies, and international guidelines, ensuring alignment with best practices in PBS. Evidence demonstrated that adherence to these benchmarks improved the effectiveness and ethicality of behavioural support while promoting practitioner well-being.

Impact of Caseload Benchmarks on Four Key Areas:

• Quality of Support Delivery: Enabled individualised behavioural support in line with ethical guidelines and evidence-based practices.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Facilitated meaningful changes in quality of life for both individuals receiving support and those closest to them.
• Risk Reduction: Minimized harm and reduced the need for restrictive practices, upholding the individual’s rights.
• Burnout Prevention: Helped mitigate burnout and emotional trauma for individuals, their support networks, and practitioners, preserving the quality and sustainability of care.

Attendees explored these benchmarks and engaged with professionals committed to advancing best practices in positive behavioural support.