Assessing behaviour support plans for people with intellectual disability before and after the Victorian Disability Act 2006.
BACKGROUND
This study sought to elucidate the extent to which behaviour support plans for people with intellectual disability are inclusive of best practice criteria, with a comparison made prior to and following proclamation of the Disability Act (2006) in Victoria, Australia.


METHODS
This study used a data collection instrument developed by the researchers incorporating best practice criteria as identified in the review of literature and Victorian legislative requirements. The instrument was used to assess a sample of behaviour support plans.


RESULTS
Best practice criteria are inadequately included in behaviour support plans with little difference between pre- and post-Act plans.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that disability support staff are ill equipped to undertake the complex assessments, planning, and implementation associated with behaviour support strategies, despite the legislative framework that guides and directs this intervention.
Phillips
Louise
L
Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. lph@deakin.edu.au
Wilson
Linda
L
Wilson
Erin
E
D001315:Australia; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors