Award in Managing Challenging Behaviour

This course aims at giving the necessary skills to work with children and adolescents with very challenging behaviour. During the course, participants will have the opportunity to discuss any situations of challenging behaviour that they are facing or could potentially come across as well as explore ideas and tools they can use to manage such behaviour. 

The course is aimed for: 

• Care Workers currently working with or intending to work with people with very challenging behavior or who already do so.           

• Students following the degree in Social Work and / or students following the BTEC National / Higher National Diploma in Health & Social Care.

This is a 60 hrs of guided learning course.  Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments. 

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

This unit is aimed for those people who are working or taking care of children and adolescents who have challenging behaviour. This unit will provide learners with an overview of what is challenging behaviour, what causes this behaviour how to prevent and intervene when such behaviour is exhibited by the above mentioned persons. 

Learning Outcome 1;  Evaluate potential causes and effects of challenging behaviour  

Unit Content

a. Definitions of challenging Behaviour

b. Causes of challenging Behaviour

c. Risk Factors and Proactive Factors

d. Differences in Behaviour between Males and Females

e. Different Perspectives of Challenging Behaviour

f. Triggers

g. Cycle of Arousal 

Learning Outcome 2;  Evaluate the negative effects of lack of attachment 

Unit Content 

a. The importance of attachment on child development

b. The effect of child abuse on the attachment process

c. Effects of trauma on brain development and brain functioning

d. Lasting effects of trauma on child’s wellbeing 

Learning Outcome 3; Investigate local services  available for children and adolescents with very challenging behavior 

Unit Content

a. Community based services

b. Residential services 

Learning Outcome 4; Analyse factors of prevention

Unit Content

a. Positive Behaviour Managment

b. Person Centered Planning

c. Effective communication

d. Body Language

e. Recognising Potential effects of own behaviour on that of others

f. ABC Charts

Learning Outcome 5; Investigate methods of handling episodes of challenging behavior

Unit Content

a. Diversion

b. Defusing

c. Descalating

d. Use of Time-out

e. Rewards and Sanctions

f. Reporting and Recording

g. Dealing with the aftermath

h. Risk assessment 

Learning Outcome 6; Evaluate legislation and guidance with respect to Challenging Behaviour

Unit Content

a. Care Order Act

b. Juvenile Court Act

c. Beijing Rules and Rhijad Guidelines

d. Probation Act

e. United Nations Convention on the rights of the child

f. Prison Act 

Learning Outcome 7;  Investigate services that exist abroad 

Unit Content

a. Wilderness programmes

b. Multi-systemic therapy

c. Multi-dimensional treatment foster care

d. Functional family therapy

e. Other services 

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed: 

Entry requirements: 

• Applicants should have a minimum of BTEC Diploma in Health & Social Care (MQF Level 3) or any equivalent diploma or qualifications (example ‘A’ Levels)     

Note: Applicants who have attained the age of 23 years may submit an application under the maturity clause. These applicants must demonstrate that they stand to benefit and show that they are able to follow the programme through an interview held for the purpose. Additionally, applicants under the maturity clause may be evaluated through an assessment.

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement. 

MCAST Certificate of Attendance 

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons. 

MCAST Certificate of Achievement 

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria and also choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s. 

• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded the MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above. 

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessments may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test, time constrained test.  However, the assessment is not compulsory and applicant may choose not to sit for it. 

There are no additional costs or special materials/equipment to bring.