Behaviour Risk Assessment

Training

Schedule

Self-paced

Duration

1 hour 10 minutes

Cost

120 (ex GST)

Behavioural risk assessment is a foundational component of effective, ethical Positive Behaviour Support practice. This course supports practitioners to move beyond simple “risk rating” processes toward a more comprehensive understanding of behavioural risk, vulnerability, environmental context, and the practical implications for behaviour support planning.

Delivered by Sharon Paley of Australian Centre for Restraint Reduction and Elimination, the training explores the principles underpinning high-quality behavioural risk assessment, including the relationship between risk, human rights, quality of life outcomes, and restrictive practice reduction.

Participants will examine the purpose and components of behavioural risk assessment, including behavioural risk evaluation, structured risk analysis, and ongoing risk management processes. The course also explores how behavioural risk assessment informs Functional Behaviour Assessment, supports evidence-based recommendations, and guides proportionate, least restrictive responses.

Designed for behaviour support practitioners and allied professionals working within complex support environments, this training combines conceptual understanding with practical application. Participants will strengthen their ability to identify foreseeable risk, analyse contributing factors, develop meaningful risk statements, and translate assessment findings into practical, person-centred strategies that support safer and more responsive practice.

Enrol now

Suitable for:

Behaviour support practitioners (Beginner/Core level and above)

Disability support professionals

Teachers, educators, and school leaders

Out of home care professionals

Aged care professionals

Allied health professionals

What You'll Learn

The foundations and purpose of behavioural risk assessment within Positive Behaviour Support

The relationship between behavioural risk assessment, human rights, and quality of life outcomes

Key principles underpinning evidence-based behavioural risk assessment practice

The differences between behavioural risk evaluation, assessment, and risk management

How behavioural risk assessment informs Functional Behaviour Assessment and Behaviour Support Planning

Factors that contribute to behavioural risk, including environmental and vulnerability variables

Principles for reducing and eliminating restrictive practices within risk assessment processes

How to identify, analyse, and document foreseeable behavioural risks

The role of behavioural risk assessment in developing proportionate and defensible recommendations

Practical considerations for monitoring, reviewing, and managing ongoing risk

What you’ll gain

Greater confidence undertaking behavioural risk assessments

Practical frameworks for identifying and analysing behavioural risk

Strategies for reducing and mitigating foreseeable risk

Improved capability in developing evidence-informed behaviour support recommendations

Stronger understanding of least restrictive and person-centred practice

Tools for translating assessment findings into practical support strategies

Increased confidence working within complex and high-risk support environments

Ready to turn knowledge into positive action?

Discover a world of transformative Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training with our engaging and interactive online courses. You’ll learn specialised skills and strategies that you can immediately put into action.

Enrol Today

Meet your presenter

Sharon Paley

Founder and CEO of the ACRRE Trust

Vice President of the Professional Association of Developmental Disability Nurses Australia (PANDDA)

Sharon Paley is the founder and CEO of the ACRRE Trust. Having worked as a disability professional for over 40 years. Sharon has a breadth and depth of experience, which is reflected by her strong practice background, interest in practice research and achievements in the field. Widely published she is a sought-after keynote speaker on topics including reducing restrictive practices, behaviour risk assessment, governance and ethical decision making. Her practice experience has been gained in Australia and in the UK where she lived until 2012. She is a Florence Nightingale Scholar and recipient of three international awards for her work in disability and behaviour support. She is one of the longest serving member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support. In 2023 she was elected as the Vice President of the Professional Association of Developmental Disability Nurses Australia (PANDDA).

When not at work Sharon enjoys endurance hiking, a sport she only took up in recent years, achieving the 18km Kokoda Challenge in Brisbane in 2023, partnering with her adult son. She lives in a rainforest village, close to Brisbane with her husband and their three Burmese cats. She has four adult children and one granddaughter, who will be joined in 2025 by a grandson. Her favourite food is Indian curry, and her favourite music is mostly hair metal but especially Alice Cooper, but secretly she also loves Barry Manilow.

Sharon Paley

Founder and CEO of the ACRRE Trust

Vice President of the Professional Association of Developmental Disability Nurses Australia (PANDDA)

Sharon Paley is the founder and CEO of the ACRRE Trust. Having worked as a disability professional for over 40 years. Sharon has a breadth and depth of experience, which is reflected by her strong practice background, interest in practice research and achievements in the field. Widely published she is a sought-after keynote speaker on topics including reducing restrictive practices, behaviour risk assessment, governance and ethical decision making. Her practice experience has been gained in Australia and in the UK where she lived until 2012. She is a Florence Nightingale Scholar and recipient of three international awards for her work in disability and behaviour support. She is one of the longest serving member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support. In 2023 she was elected as the Vice President of the Professional Association of Developmental Disability Nurses Australia (PANDDA).

When not at work Sharon enjoys endurance hiking, a sport she only took up in recent years, achieving the 18km Kokoda Challenge in Brisbane in 2023, partnering with her adult son. She lives in a rainforest village, close to Brisbane with her husband and their three Burmese cats. She has four adult children and one granddaughter, who will be joined in 2025 by a grandson. Her favourite food is Indian curry, and her favourite music is mostly hair metal but especially Alice Cooper, but secretly she also loves Barry Manilow.