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FAMILY FOCUS POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
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 behavioral health staff, and anyone else involved in the individual's life. Two WVATC staff, a PBS facilitator and Community Partner (another parent of a child with autism), provide support and training to teams. 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. FFPBS workshops are provided on a regular basis. Registered families are encouraged to attend. FFPBS workshops are provided at no cost to registered families. Q : What is the Family Focus Positive Behavior Support (FFPBS) Program based on? A: The FFPBS model is based on a philosophy of and research on positive behavior support and wrap-around. Derived from the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, positive behavior support is a comprehensive, positive approach to working with individuals. Positive behavior support focuses on preventing problems before they occur, making changes in environments, teaching new skills and improving quality of life. Wrap-around is a family-centered approach that emphasizes interagency collaboration, the use of formal and informal supports, and services tailored to the needs of the family or support system. FFPBS combines the best of both positive behavior support and wrap-around.
Q: How do we become involved in the FFPBS Program? A : FFPBS is one service offered to registered families. To participate in the FFPBS Program you will need to complete a separate application form that can be obtained by calling the WVATC (1-800-344-5115). Because of the number of applicants, families are put on a waiting list. Families are accepted into the program on a first come, first serve basis and notified in writing when FFPBS will begin.
Q: Do I need to travel to Huntington to participate in the program? A : No. An Educational Specialist and sometimes a Community Partner will come to your home and /or school or other designated place that you decide best serves your needs.
Q: Who will make up my support team? A: Generally, teams are comprised of family members, school staff and behavioral health center staff. 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.
Q: Do I need to have a support team identified before I begin the FFPBS Program? A: No . The Educational Specialist and Community Partner will assist you with developing a support team.
Q: I have a job. What if I can not attend every meeting or all of the PBS lectures? A: We highly encourage you to attend all of the meetings. 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 schedule. If for some reason you have difficulty attending meetings, please talk with your Education Specialist. He/she will try to work out a solution with you.
Q: I am on the FFPBS waiting list. What should I do until the FFPBS program starts? A:
Q: My child is doing well in school and does not have behavioral problems. Can FFPBS help my son/daughter? A: 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.
Q: My son/daughter is transitioning out of school. How can PBS help during transitions? A: 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.
Q: My child received PBS several years ago. Can I apply again? A: Yes . There is no limit to the number of times that you can apply.
Q: The PBS process seems overwhelming. How do I cope with all the responsibilities required of me? A: The PBS process is a team effort. The whole 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 Educational Specialist and Community Partner are 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.
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