É«ÀÇÉçÇødirection on Behavioural Support Plans to members in Caseworker Role
19 April 2026
The Public Service Association (PSA) is aware that members have been directed to attend Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) clinics for the purpose of completing BSPs.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøreminds members that Caseworkers are not to take primary responsibility for the drafting and/or implementation or review of Behaviour Support Plans. This direction remains unchanged.
Members who attend the BSP clinics in cases where a BSP is required, they should send their direct line manager an email stating:
“In accordance with a direction from my union (PSA,) I will not take primary responsibility for drafting and or implementing or reviewing a Behavioural Support Plan for (name of CYP).
“I have referred this to my MCW recommending that a suitably qualified psychologist and or behaviour support expert is engaged to develop, implement or review the BSP. This is in the best interest of the (name of CYP).”
For many years, members, especially those who are Caseworkers in Out of Home Care (OOHC), have been raising concerns about Behavioural Support Plans (BSPs) with the PSA.
É«ÀÇÉçÇøofficials and Delegates continue to raise members’ concerns with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Executive, including at Joint Consultative Committees.
The Department’s current guidelines state that ‘Caseworkers may develop Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs in foster and family-based care settings, including relative and kinship care placements).’
However, Caseworkers have noted that the same guidelines also clarify that ‘Positive Behaviour Support training is foundational and does not qualify a staff member as a behaviour support specialist or expert.’
Members have clearly stated that having Caseworkers develop, write, and implement BSPs is at odds with best practice.
Ensuring Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) are developed and delivered by appropriately qualified practitioners is critical to the safety, stability and wellbeing of children and young people in care.
When BSPs are authored by practitioners with the right clinical expertise and an understanding of trauma, disability and child development, they are more likely to promote positive behaviours, reduce restrictive practices and support placement stability. DCJ has a responsibility to ensure BSPs are not treated as a compliance exercise, but as living, therapeutic tools that genuinely reflect the child or young person’s needs. Getting this right supports carers, protects staff, and most importantly helps children and young people feel safe, understood and able to thrive in their placements.
If members are concerned about attending the BSP Clinics or any issues relating to the É«ÀÇÉçÇødirection, please contact your local Delegate or É«ÀÇÉçÇøOrganiser Andrea Cartwright at