Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations Guidelines for Schools in Supporting Students has been developed by the Department of Education as a resource for schools.
The guidelines have been developed to address uncertainty for staff on how to respond when facing crisis situations where there are concerns regarding physical safety. They focus on creating inclusive environments which can respond to need and build on good practice including prevention and deescalation.
In particular, guidance is provided for schools on effective approaches to supporting students with behaviours of concern in crisis situations.
They place a strong focus on prevention early intervention and de-escalation strategies for the management of crisis situations in which physical intervention may be employed only as the last part of a comprehensive, positive and planned behavioural approach by the school.
They are underpinned by the principles that such intervention is never used for the purposes of discipline; that it should be applied proportionately and should last only as long as is necessary to de-escalate the situation. The guidelines underline the importance of continued supervision of children during a crisis period including matters related to behaviour and the need for such incidents to be recorded. They also make clear that seclusion of children is inappropriate.
In developing the Guidelines, the Department aims to ensure that all schools are supported and have the knowledge and understanding of a whole school support culture for the development of effective school policy and practice. The Guidelines, apply to all recognised schools. They have been informed by evidence showing that whole-school community, including parents/guardians, are necessary for the development of effective school policy and practice when supporting a student in a crisis situation.
Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations
0081/2024
The purpose of this Circular is to inform schools of the publication of “Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations Guidelines for Schools” and in particular the process of recording and reporting of physical restraint in schools. The Guidelines are designed to develop and enhance schools’ understanding of behaviours of concern and to assist them in managing crisis situations.