Family Focus Positive Behavior Support (FFPBS) is a model program developed at the West Virginia Autism Training Center. The FFPBS Program provides up to 12 months of intensive support and education to teams supporting the individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Teams are usually composed of family members, the individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, educational and/or behavioral health staff, and anyone else involved in the individual's life. A PBS Trainer facilitates training, coaching, and the development of a PBS plan through collaboration. PBS training involves a Learn and Do approach and is provided for the team through the team process. The team also identifies additional special topics trainings that may be open to other participants as needed. Individualized skill development programs are developed and implemented in collaboration with the team. Skill development programs are implemented across settings (home, community and school) with an emphasis on improving the individual's and their family's quality of life.
If you are registered with WV-ATC and interested in FFPBS you must complete a seperate application, see FAQ below for more details.
How do we become involved in the FFPBS Program?
Do I need to Travel to Huntington to participate in the program?
Does FFPBS only serve families with school-aged children?
Who will make up my support team?
Do I need to have a support team identified before I begin the FFPBS Program?
I have a job. What if I can not attend every meeting or all of the PBS lectures?
I am on the FFPBS Application list. What should I do until the FFPBS program starts?
My son/daughter is transitioning out of school. How can PBS help during transitions?
What incentives are there for schools to participate in the FFPBS process?
My child reeived PBS several years ago. Can I apply again?
How do we become involved in the FFPBS Program?
FFPBS is one of the services offered to registered families. To participate in the FFPBS Program, you will need to be registered with WVATC and will also complete a separate application form for FFPBS that can be obtained by calling the WVATC (800-344-5115). Families are added to the application list in the order they are received and are accepted into the program on a first come, first serve basis as openings become available in their area.
Do I need to travel to Huntington to participate in the program?
No. FFPBS is a community-based approach. The PBS Trainer will meet with you in your home and /or school or other designated place that you decide best serves your needs.
Does FFPBS only serve familes with school-aged children?
No. FFPBS services are available to individuals of all ages.
Who will make up my support team?
Generally, teams are comprised of family members, school staff and/or behavioral health center staff and others closely involved in the focus individual's life. Anyone (e.g., neighbors, friends, siblings, medical staff, outside service providers) that you would like to invite is more than welcome to participate. If at all possible, the focus individual should attend team meetings, too.
Do I need to have a support team identified before I begin the FFPBS Program?
No . The PBS Trainer will assist you with developing a support team.
I have a job. What if I can not attend every meeting or all of the PBS lectures?
We highly encourage you to attend all of the meetings and trainings. The process is most effective when team members are fully invested in the entire process. We will make every effort to schedule meetings around your commitments. If for some reason you have difficulty attending meetings, please talk with your PBS Trainer who will try to work out a solution with you.
I am on the FFPBS Application list. What should I do until the FFPBS program starts?
Yes. While the team may not need to address challenging behavior, they can develop a plan to deal with other issues that may be difficult for your child. For example, the team might address social, academic, communication and/or self-help skills.
My son/daughter is transitioning out of school. How can PBS help during transitions?
The FFPBS program involves the use of person-centered planning tools. These tools are used to assist teams in determining the wants/needs of the individual with autism, helping them focus on positive future outcomes for the individual. Person-centered planning is especially useful during times of transition.
The PBS process is a team effort. The entire team will take responsibility for portions of the plan that they help develop, lessening the amount that any one individual has to take on. Your PBS trainer is there to answer any questions, provide needed information and link you and your child to supports and services to help the process be successful. However, parent/caregiver participation is essential to the success of the program.
What incentives are there for schools to participate in the FFPBS process?
In addition to having a team of support to problem solve educational issues, schools who participate in the FFPBS process receive opportunities for free training. In addition, teachers may be eligible to receive Professional Development credit through Marshall University for a nominal fee for their full participation in the process.
My child received PBS several years ago. Can I apply again?
Yes. FFPBS is intended to help individuals, families, and teams develop the skills to use PBS independently once the service period and follow-up year have ended. However, if further support is needed, a family may reapply at any time after that period.
For answers to additional questions please contact the WV Autism Training Center at 1-800-344-5115. We are here from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM to take your calls.
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