What’s a Behaviour Support Plan—and Does My Family Really Need One?
What’s a Behaviour Support Plan—and Does My Family Really Need One?
- June 18, 2025
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re caring for someone who sometimes shows behaviours that are hard to understand—or manage. Maybe it’s your child, a sibling, or someone else you love deeply. And maybe you’ve heard the term Behaviour Support Plan (or BSP) tossed around, but you’re not exactly sure what it means—or whether it’s something your family actually needs.
First of all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. And no, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
At Concept Care Disability Solutions (Concept Care), we work with families just like yours—every single day. Families who want the best for their loved ones but are feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin. So let’s walk through it together, in simple terms.
What Is a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Behaviour Support Plan is just that—a plan. It’s a personalised guide designed to help someone who may have behaviours of concern. These behaviours might look like hitting, yelling, running away, self-injury, or other actions that make life harder or less safe for the person and those around them.
But here’s the key: a BSP doesn’t just focus on stopping the behaviour. It’s about understanding the “why” behind it, and then putting supportive strategies in place to meet the person’s needs in a safer, more positive way.
Think of it like this: every behaviour is a form of communication. A BSP helps everyone involved “translate” those messages and respond with understanding instead of frustration.
Who Needs a Behaviour Support Plan?
If your loved one often shows behaviours that cause stress at home, school, or out in the community, a BSP might be a helpful tool. These behaviours aren’t anyone’s fault. They usually come from unmet needs, challenges with communication, or feelings of fear, confusion, or sensory overload.
The good news? A Behaviour Support Plan doesn’t label someone as “bad” or “difficult.” Instead, it shines a light on their strengths, helps identify triggers, and builds skills for better coping and communication.
What’s Inside a BSP?
Each plan is created with the person at the centre—and it’s built with input from families, therapists, teachers, and support workers. Here’s what you’ll usually find:
- A clear understanding of the person—their likes, dislikes, communication style, and what’s important to them
- What behaviours are occurring, when they happen, and what might be triggering them
- Positive strategies to prevent the behaviours from happening in the first place
- Safe, respectful responses for when behaviours do occur
- Skills to build over time—like new ways to express needs or handle emotions
It’s all written in plain, helpful language. Nothing scary. Nothing judgemental.
How Can a BSP Help Our Family?
When everyone’s on the same page, things get a little easier. A good BSP helps you:
- Feel less overwhelmed and more confident
- Know how to respond calmly and consistently
- Support your loved one in a way that feels respectful, kind, and effective
- Celebrate small wins and progress—because every step matters
And perhaps most importantly—it reminds you that you’re doing your best, and that support is always available.
What Role Do Families Play?
A huge one. You know your loved one better than anyone. Your insights, your intuition, and your day-to-day experiences are essential in creating a plan that works.
At Concept Care, we believe in partnering with families—not telling them what to do. We listen. We collaborate. And we walk alongside you every step of the way.
What If I Want to Learn More or Get Started?
If you think a Behaviour Support Plan might be helpful for someone you care about, or if you’re just curious to learn more, reach out to us at Concept Care. Our experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners can chat with you, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
Remember—asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care enough to keep trying. And that’s something to be proud of.