Managing Challenging Behaviour.

We in Carrickfergus Junior Gateway are committed to practice which protects all of our members and volunteers from harm.

Severe challenging behaviour refers to behaviour of such an intensity, frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is likely to be placed in serious jeopardy or behaviour which is likely to seriously limit or delay access to and use of ordinary community facilities. (Emerson et al 1987)

In order to ensure a safe and supportive environment it is important for all members to be aware of and adhere to a code of behaviour and for all volunteers to approach members in a fair and consistent manner. It is necessary to ensure that all volunteers are aware of their own behaviour and work within the procedures laid out in the code of behaviour for volunteers.

We will endeavour to do this by:

• Adopting procedures to be used when managing challenging behaviour.
• Adopting a Code of Behaviour for volunteers.
• Adopting a Code of Behaviour for group members.
• Sharing information about these guidelines with members, parents and volunteers.
• Carrying out regular risk assessments for members.
• Providing effective support and training for our volunteers and members.

We are also committed to reviewing our policy and practice at regular intervals.