{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Managing Children’s and Your People’s Challenging Behaviour Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a comprehensive and person-centred framework for the prevention, de-escalation, and positive management of challenging behaviour presented by children and young people in our care. In accordance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Children Act 1989, the Equality Act 2010, and Welsh Government guidance including the ‘Framework for Restrictive Physical Intervention,’ this policy ensures that {{org_field_name}} promotes the safety, rights, and well-being of all young people while also safeguarding staff and others. Challenging behaviour is not seen as a problem to be fixed but as a communication of unmet need, distress, trauma, or difficulty with emotional regulation. This policy sets out how we respond supportively, lawfully, and therapeutically.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff working with children and young people in our care setting, including permanent, agency, and voluntary staff. It applies to all environments within the home and during off-site activities or transport. It also applies to behaviours that may challenge others, including but not limited to aggression, verbal outbursts, property damage, self-injury, running away (absconding), refusal to engage, and disruptive or oppositional conduct. This policy must be used alongside individual behaviour support plans and safeguarding procedures.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following:
CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (and children where applicable)
CHW16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses Policy
CHW27 – Staff Supervision, Training and Development Policy
CHW29 – Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy
CHW30 – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

4. Policy Statement and Implementation

A. Understanding Challenging Behaviour
Challenging behaviour is defined as any behaviour that places the young person or others at risk of harm, limits access to ordinary life opportunities, or causes significant disruption. At {{org_field_name}}, we understand that behaviour is a form of communication. Many children and young people have experienced trauma, attachment disruption, neurodevelopmental differences, or mental health difficulties. Our role is to identify the underlying causes of behaviour and provide consistent, empathetic, and skilled support. We adopt a trauma-informed approach, recognising the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the importance of building safe, trusting relationships.

B. Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Assessments
Each child or young person will have a personalised Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) developed on admission and reviewed regularly or following incidents. The BSP outlines known triggers, early warning signs, strategies for de-escalation, effective communication approaches, and the least restrictive methods for managing crisis behaviour if needed. A Behaviour Risk Assessment accompanies the plan and identifies behaviours that may cause harm, how likely they are to occur, and their potential impact. These documents are developed in partnership with the young person (where possible), their social worker, family or guardian, and relevant professionals. All staff are required to read and understand each individual’s plan and to adhere to it in daily practice.

C. Prevention and Proactive Strategies
We focus on creating an environment that reduces stress and promotes regulation, routine, and positive engagement. This includes ensuring:

• Consistent boundaries and expectations
• Predictable routines and visual supports
• Clear and positive communication
• Access to preferred activities and sensory supports
• Emotional literacy and self-regulation coaching
• Access to quiet spaces when needed
• Recognition and reinforcement of positive behaviour
  Staff are encouraged to remain calm and attuned, using low-arousal approaches and positive role modelling to reduce escalation. We promote a culture of relationship-based practice where young people feel heard, respected, and supported.

D. De-escalation and Response to Incidents
When a young person becomes distressed or escalates, staff follow the guidance in the individual’s BSP. De-escalation techniques may include:

• Offering space or time away
• Using calming or distraction techniques
• Speaking in a low, reassuring voice
• Offering choices to regain control
• Ensuring other children are safe and supported
  Physical intervention is only used as a last resort when there is an immediate risk of harm to the young person or others. Any intervention must be necessary, proportionate, and in line with legal and regulatory requirements. Only staff trained in approved techniques are permitted to carry out physical interventions. We do not use punitive, humiliating, or aversive responses under any circumstances.

E. Recording and Reporting
All incidents involving challenging behaviour, particularly those involving restrictive interventions, are recorded promptly and accurately in the Behaviour Incident Log. Records include:

• Date, time, and location
• Triggers and events leading to the incident
• Behaviour observed
• Staff response and any de-escalation or intervention used
• Outcome and impact on the young person and others
• Follow-up actions and review of the BSP
  Incident forms are reviewed by the Registered Manager, and patterns are analysed to inform planning and support. Any injury, safeguarding concern, or serious event is reported in line with CHW13 and CHW25 and escalated to external professionals and CIW as required.

F. Support for Young People Post-Incident
After any incident, the young person is given time and space to recover. A reflective debrief is offered, where staff listen to the young person’s perspective and support them to process the event and explore alternative strategies. Their feelings are validated, and their feedback informs adjustments to support plans. The aim is always to maintain a trusting relationship and reduce future occurrences.

G. Support for Staff and Reflective Practice
Staff involved in incidents receive support and supervision to reflect on their practice, explore their emotional responses, and identify what worked well and what could be improved. Debriefs take place after significant incidents and are documented. Regular reflective practice groups are facilitated to ensure emotional resilience, consistent approaches, and shared learning. Supervision (CHW27) is used to review competence, provide emotional support, and address concerns.

H. Involving Families and Advocates
We value the role of families and guardians in supporting behaviour management. With appropriate consent, families are involved in planning, reviews, and discussions about behaviour. Where young people lack family support, independent advocacy services are offered and supported. We ensure that communication with families is respectful, timely, and solution-focused.

I. Multi-Agency Collaboration
Where behaviour presents significant risk or ongoing concern, we work in partnership with external professionals including CAMHS, education, social workers, youth offending teams, and behavioural specialists. Multi-disciplinary meetings are held to ensure cohesive support and that care plans reflect shared understanding. All actions taken are recorded and contribute to holistic safeguarding and care.

J. Continuous Improvement and Audit
Challenging behaviour incidents are reviewed monthly by the senior team to identify trends, hotspots, staff training needs, and improvements. Audits of incident logs, care plans, and staff competence records ensure compliance with CIW expectations. Feedback from young people is gathered to understand their experience and inform improvements. Lessons learned are shared through team meetings and policy updates.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required due to significant incidents, changes in legislation, or updates to CIW guidance. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring that this policy reflects current best practice and is fully embedded in staff training and daily operations.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.