Everyone Belongs,
Just as they are......
Positive Behaviour Support Services
Positive Behaviour Support at Heartward House
At Heartward House, PBS is more than a plan — it’s a deeply human, collaborative journey that honours both why behaviour happens, and how we can support sustainable change.
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Positive Behaviour Support
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing behaviours of concern.
Rather than simply reacting to challenging behaviour, PBS seeks to understand why the behaviour is happening — considering unmet needs, communication challenges, environmental stressors, or sensory issues.
​Our PBS philosophy centres the person: we believe every behaviour has meaning, and through tailored strategies, we support individuals to build skills, increase independence, and improve their quality of life.
Who We Support
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We provide PBS for a wide range of individuals, including:
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Children and adults experiencing behaviours that challenge their day-to-day life.
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People with neurodevelopmental conditions: autism, intellectual disability, Acquired Brain Injury, Dementia, Complex Trauma, or dual diagnoses.
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Support networks: families, carers, educators — anyone who plays a role in the person’s life.
What we provide
Positive Behaviour Support at Heartward House is a collaborative, heart-centred process. We work alongside the person, their carers, and their wider support network to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Together, we:
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Understand the behaviours of concern and clarify the goals that matter most
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Gather the stories, patterns, and contributing factors that shape the behaviour
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Co-create, implement, and review a Behaviour Support Plan that is practical, respectful, and aligned with the person’s unique needs and strengths.
Our Process is as follows:
Why Choose PBS
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Person‑centred & Collaborative: We centre the individual’s voice, goals, and lived experience, working with both them and their support network.
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Evidence-based: Our strategies are grounded in research and best practice.
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Proactive, not just reactive: We focus on preventing behaviours before they occur by understanding triggers and adjusting environments.
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Skill-building: We teach practical skills — communication, emotional regulation, social skills — that support long-term growth.
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Reduced use of restrictive practices: Where restrictive practices are in use, we aim to safely reduce and eventually eliminate them.
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Improves quality of life: Because PBS isn’t just about reducing behaviours — it’s about helping people live fuller, more meaningful lives.
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