Transition Planning:The Role of the CCBDD Behavior and Health Supports Department

Richard Cirillo, Ph.D.Chief Clinical OfficerCuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Composition of the Department Behavior and Health Supports consists of two basic

service areas: Behavioral Support and Nursing Current staff consists of approximately 55 professional,

paraprofessional, and support staff Behavioral staff include licensed psychologists,

professional counselors, social workers, behavior support specialists, forensic system liaisons, and a human sexuality educator with a scope of practice clearly focused on individuals with developmental disabilities

We do not provide psychiatric/pharmacological therapies

BHS Role in Transition Planning Assessment of behavioral needs

Generally includes behavioral and related information collected from parents, consumer, teachers

Team consultation on preparing for and implementing a successful transition

Development of an individual specific behavior support plan if needed

Training staff on the behavior support plan Resource for future consultation regarding

behavioral issues

Getting a Referral

Referrals for Behavioral Services are taken through the student’s SSA

Ideally referral comes six months to a year prior to the anticipated transition to an adult service or job to allow for appropriate assessment, planning, and transition

A longer period may be needed if a particularly difficult and/or gradual transition is anticipated.

What to expect

The assessment is an important first step in planning

Expect a review of past behavioral, educational, mental health and to a lesser extent medical history

Allowing access to past providers of service can be particularly helpful in some cases

Participation of parents and teachers in the assessment process is sought and valued

Results

Written recommendations will be provided in most cases, and for any case if requested.

Communication of results with SSA, family, and other stakeholders

Training of staff as needed A continued relationship with the team until a

the individual has been transitioned and/or there is no longer a need for behavior support

Philosophy of Behavioral Care

A primary emphasis placed on maintaining health and safety

Strong Protection of individual rights Any restriction that is to be placed on the

individual’s rights must have a clear relationship to health and safety, must be documented, and must first clear a Human Rights Committee

A strength of the DD system, but in some cases can be difficult for families to understand.

A Least Restrictive Approach to Behavioral Supports Behavior planning must rely first and foremost on positive and

preventative strategies Are expectations of the individual appropriate? Is there a fit between the person’s preferences, temperament,

and abilities and the environment? Are staff appropriately trained and responding in line with the

individuals needs? Seclusion or restraint are avoided and can be used only after

positive methods have failed and there is a clear health and safety threat involved.

Any plan with such aversive interventions in place must go through a formal planning and review process (two separate committee reviews before approval).

In some cases, part of our transition planning may involve having the individual weaned off the use of seclusion or restraint as it may have been applied in a school setting

Remember

Consultation with the Behavior and Health Supports Department can be requested at any time

There is no charge to you for our services

Questions and Comments