Unit 1: Understanding Challenging Behaviour

• Definition of challenging behaviour and the various forms it may take 
• Understanding the purpose that challenging behaviour serves for an individual
• Recognising factors which may influence a person's behaviour 
• Identifying the links between communication and challenging behaviour
• Identify the early stages/signs of challenging behaviour and a range of de-escalation skills
• Analysis of incidents of challenging behaviour and identifying the circumstances that led to that behaviour 
• Communicating appropriately with people presenting with challenging behaviour
• Understanding the links between restricted choices and the use of challenging behaviour
• Looking at how to create opportunities for people with challenging behaviour, to take more control over their lives 
• Evaluate the impact of different approaches used with a person demonstrating challenging behaviour

Unit 2: Risk Assessments and Risk Management Planning

• Behaviours that put people at risk
• Who is at risk from these behaviours
• Identifying circmustances which might increase or decrease the likelihood of a risk being present
• Understanding your role as part of the team you work in, and also as part of the multi-disciplinary team
• Recognise staff's role in reducing risk and creating safer environments 
• Develop frameworks which support good decision making skills in relation to risk taking and risk reduction
• Distinguish between positive risk taking and negative risk taking 
• Recognise the use of positive risk taking strategies as a means of reducing risks and increasing opportunities for people with behaviuor which is challenging
• Evaluate the impact risk reduction strategies can have on providing safer work environments for people to live and work 

Unit 3: Physical Intervention Strategies

• Identify situations where personal safety and that of other service users, visitors or colleagues may be at risk
• Outline the assault cycle and learn how best to intervene and de-escalate a service user in a crisis situation
• Develop strategies to safely approach a person who may become violent or aggressive in a manner that significantly reduces the risk of injuries
• Recognise the physiological risks involved in the use of physical intervention strategies 
• Outline the legal and  professional responsibilities required in the use of  physical intervention strategies
• explain the links between risk assessment and the use of physical intervention strategies
• Develop a range of physical skills to disengage from a service user if they have, or intend to assault either the staff or another person in a manner that is inconsistent with our duty to care
• Know what issues that need to be reported and recognise the importance of communicating all relevant information with regard to incidents as a means of preventing them in the future

Component Certificate in Challenging Behaviour Management (FETAC Level 5- N22814)

Certificate in Challenging Behaviour Management (The College of Progressive Education)

This course is designed for those people working, or planning to work, with people who present with challenging behaviour. This can be one of the elective modules for the Healthcare Support cetificate FETAC Level 5 DHSXX.

• To develop an understanding of why service users might present with challenging behaviour
• To show how to carry out risk assessments on service users with challenging behaviour 
• To demonstrate the appropriate and technical use of physical interventions in particular scenarios ensuring personal safety as well as the safety of others

There are no specific entry requirements. Minimum age is 17 years.

Learners must also be capable of undertaking assessment work to Ordinalry Level Leaving Certificate standard.

Learners must also submit a letter detailing how and where they are going to obtain their work experience.

International learners undertaking this course should have confidence in their English language, reading, writing and comprehension skills and have at least a 5 IELTS score or equivalent

Learners must be working with an individual or individuals who are presenting with challenging behaviour.  A minimum of 20 hours work experience is required during the programme.

Project - 60%

Skills Demonstration - 40%

10 evenings one per week and 2 Saturdays

FETAC Level 5 Health Support Certificate (DHSXX)

Practical Home Care Skills - FETAC Level 5 Component Certificate

Care Worker

Family support member