Understanding the ISBA Position Statement on Positive Behavioural Support Caseload Benchmarks

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is a framework rooted in Human Rights and designed to improve the quality of life for individuals by addressing behavioural expressions of need in a respectful and person-centred manner. In Ireland, the Irish Society for Behaviour Analysis (ISBA) has provided clear guidance on PBS in their Position Statement, including recommendations regarding the appropriate caseload for professionals delivering individualised positive behavioural support.

The ISBA suggests that a full-time Behaviour Therapist/Behaviour Analyst/Behaviour Specialist* should hold a maximum caseload of approximately 10 individuals to provide effective individualised support. This benchmark is grounded in a comprehensive review of research, international standards, and best practices in the field of positive behaviour support.

Why Caseload Size Matters

Caseload size plays a crucial role in determining the quality of care and support that can be provided to individuals. With a manageable caseload of 10 people, Behaviour Therapists/Analysts/Specialists can offer thorough behavioural assessments, design and implement interventions tailored to each person’s needs and measure outcomes effectively. However, for individuals with more complex needs, a smaller caseload of 6 to 8 people is recommended to ensure that sufficient time and resources are available. Conversely, if some individuals have less complex support needs, the caseload may be safely increased to 12 people per Behaviour Therapist/Analyst/Specialist.

Research-Backed Recommendations

The ISBA’s caseload recommendation aligns with findings from both large-scale studies and smaller, team-focused case studies, as well as best-practice guidance from international bodies. For instance:

• A national UK survey by Emerson et al. (1996) reported caseload sizes ranging from 1 to 25, with 75% of teams having caseloads of up to 10 people.
• Davison et al. (2016) found an average caseload of 8 in a survey of UK-based teams.
• Bowring et al. (2020) recommended 6 to 8 individuals for those with complex behavioural expressions of need.

These studies, along with best-practice guidance from entities like the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board and the Council of Autism Service Providers, consistently point to caseload sizes between 10 and 15 as the upper limit for safe and effective support, with adjustments made for the complexity of individuals’ needs.

Implications for Service Providers

For service providers in Ireland, adhering to these caseload benchmarks ensures that people supported are not exposed to unnecessary risks and that Behaviour Therapists/Analysts/Specialists can provide high-quality, individualised support. By keeping caseloads manageable, organisations can enhance their overall effectiveness, reduce burnout among staff, and most importantly, improve outcomes for the people they support.

The ISBA’s caseload recommendation is more than just a number – it is a reflection of a commitment to high-quality, ethical, and sustainable PBS practice that has a long-term impact on quality of life improvements for the person and those around them.

For more detailed guidance, see the full ISBA Position Statement on PBS and supplementary documents.

*Due to the lack of defined job titles in the Irish context, the three most common job titles are Behaviour Specialist, Behaviour Therapist or Behaviour Support Specialist