Responding to Challenging Behaviour

Dispelling the myth

Self Harm Drug and alcohol misuse Bullying Boredom Harassment Begging Prostitution Noise Vandalism Graffiti Joy riding Anger Spitting Attention seeking Swearing Racism/Sexism Abuse of equipment Abuse of staff Throwing things Gang membership Sexual harassment Withdrawn What is challenging behaviour?

Coping with loss (not just death!) Having low self esteem Dealing with false expectations Lacking a sense of love and belonging Struggling with sexual identity Receiving repeated criticism Learning difficulties Group Dynamics Groups developmental stage (forming, storming, norming, performing) Sub-culture clashes Boring or irrelevant session and activities A reputation for problems …..and many more Why Challenging Behaviour?

Proactive planning Procedures in place Guidelines on response Clear expectations Preventative measures “On reflection the important thing was to take very decisive action; less important was doing exactly the right thing. I was only able to take such decisive action because we had very clearly set boundaries” How we respond

The way we do things round here! Passion is about having a safe, comfortable, warm place to be where we can chill out.. enjoy each others company and have a laugh.. to help this happen there are a few simple things that we ask of everyone who comes in.. especially adults! We respect each other and the space we are in.. don’t break people or things! We share the stuff here.. like computers and pool tables and x-boxes If we are asked to stop doing something.. we stop When stuff gets broken we let one of the leaders know  “accidents happen.. so don’t be a chicken.. own up” We try not to swear We understand that this space is for everyone We tell the staff the stuff we like and don’t like We come up with ideas for new things We never, ever bully anyone.. everyone is different and this is what makes life interesti ng All are welcome at Passion.. but there needs to be some guidelines.. should anyone decide not to follow the guidelines they will be asked not to come to sessions for an agreed amount of time. If the law is broken.. the police will be called.

An on the spot response to challenging behaviour? Alleviate the immediate problem Ensure safety of the young person, other young people and workers Protect the physical environment Adhere to agreed policies and procedures

Preventative Leaders must always be visible Adequate ration of Leaders to young people Know your “hot spots”.. Toilets, a quiet corner etc Practice being aware of what else is going on Depersonalize issues Offer options Reactive Listen to what is being said Isolate the issue Don’t jump to conclusions Be calm and assertive Be aware of non verbal communication Don’t touch! Give space to safe face

Personal survival! Know yourself.. Your strengths and your limitations Learn to separate the young person from the problem Offer solutions that “save face” Talk to people Share concerns Maintain perspective.. See the wood for the trees