Explain How To Promote Positive Behaviour

The Children’s Authority believes that promoting positive behaviour is more productive in behaviour management than the use of physical or verbal punishment for challenging behaviours. The use of praise, positive feedback to children, incentive and reward schemes are all integral to promoting positive behaviour. Praise and positive feedback could be given in many ways. These may include the following:

o A quiet word or encouraging smile. o Acknowledgement of positive behaviour in family meetings/get-togethers. o A letter, phone call or e-mail to the assigned CSA informing them specifically of some action or achievement deserving praise. Child should be informed of this notification by the CSA assigned to them. o Positive feedback from partners, (schools, work experience, clubs, friends and police). o Praise and reward schemes to acknowledge good behaviour and achievement. o Rewards for positive behaviour that occurred both within the foster home and when outside of the home (eg. school, camp, after school groups etc.).

PROVIDING A THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FOSTER CHILD

It must be remembered that children and adolescents often “act out” when they are scared. This
By doing so, the parent creates a safe space for the child to know that in spite of their behaviours, they are cared about in a consistent and structured environment. It is likely that a new foster child will not show the love and affection that the foster parent may expect. It is also likely that the child may be resentful of the situation and not act or appear appreciative of the foster parent’s efforts. When this occurs, it is important for the foster parent to remember, “It isn’t about me.” This should be remembered during behavioural episodes. The foster carer’s role is not to save the foster child, but to help guide them in their own journey of growth and