Facilitate responsible behaviour

Question 1

a) The community services sector is one which provides services and support to some of our most vulnerable people. The sector is therefore heavily regulated to ensure that the services and support are provided safely, consistently and ethically.

Consider each of the following areas from the perspective of addressing behaviours of concern. Complete the table by listing one piece of relevant legislation and describing the impact that it might have on your own practice.

Area	Relevant legislation	Impact on practice
Duty of care	Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Individual rights	Human Rights Act 1998
Privacy	The Privacy Act 1988

b) What role does a code of ethics or code of conduct play in guiding how you would address behaviours of concern in your work?

c) Behaviours of concern can have many underlying contributing factors. List at least five

Question 2

a) In the community services sector, it is likely that you will work with clients with complex communication needs. Complete the following table by adding at least four strategies for ensuring effective communication with each of the groups listed.

Group	Strategy
People who speak limited English
Culturally and linguistically diverse people
People living with a disability
People showing intent to self-harm

b) Complete the following table by suggesting a possible underlying reason for the behaviour described and listing at least two appropriate strategies for responding.

Behaviour	Underlying reason	Strategy
Alyssa is a carer working with children and young people living in residential care. One of the young people in her care arrives home late for dinner (which is out of character). When one of the other young people in the house asks her why she's late, she explodes, swearing and shouting. She yells that it's no-one's business why she is late, storms off to her room and slams the door. This is also out of character.
Tarquin provides support to people living with a disability acquired in motor vehicle accidents. While supporting one of his clients to move from bed to a wheelchair, the client lashes out, striking Tarquin across the back and shoulder.

c) An understanding of cultural practices and customs and their potential impact on behaviour in specific situations can help you manage behaviour. List at least three ways that this knowledge may be useful.

Question 3

It is likely that, at some stage during your career in community services, you will be called upon to deal with a variety of situations where concerning behaviours arise. Look at the situations described in the following table and suggests strategies for managing the behaviours.

Situation	Strategy
Reuben is a 45-year-old man living with an acquired brain injury which affects his short-term memory and mood. He also has only partial use of his left arm. Reuben lives independently with support from a part-time carer and accesses various services from your agency. He has come in today to meet with you as his case worker. Unfortunately, he has arrived an hour early and is agitated because he has to wait. You can see that Reuben's mood is escalating. What strategies might you use to deal with this situation?
Deanna has recently been released from prison and is visiting your agency to meet with you about employment and training. She is also having trouble securing permanent housing which is making the prospects of her two young children being returned to her custody unlikely in the short term. All of these factors, as well as a recent exacerbation in Deanna's mental health issues, mean that Deanna is highly aggressive when she arrives for her appointment. As soon as she enters your office, she begins swearing and abusing you - telling you that you are useless and that it's your fault that she's not getting her kids back because you haven't got her a job yet. Despite your best efforts, her behaviour continues to escalate.
Mackenzie has joined a program that your organisation runs which aims to support young people who will be leaving care. While participating in various activities, you have noticed a number of racist comments and jokes.