Behavior Plan Format

A behavior treatment program includes four major components. These include; short- and long-term goals, definitions of target behaviors, data collection, and staff procedures.

Behavior treatment goals are separated into short- and long-term goals. Short-term goals help the client and staff focus on tangible achievements. Long-term goals are the projected functional outcomes of the treatment such as, independent living skills or vocational placement.

Target behaviors are the focus of the treatment plan. These are the behaviors that interrupt therapy, impede progress, endanger others, disrupt activities, or otherwise interfere with a person's ability to live independently.

Each target behavior must be operationally defined. The operational definition describes what the behavior looks like in objective, observable terms.

The data collection system tracks the rate and duration of the target behavior. Without consistent data collection, it is difficult to ascertain whether the program is working.

The fourth and main section of the treatment plan describes the procedures of the program. It outlines how to arrange environmental conditions to reduce chances of behavioral episodes. The treatment plan also outlines response options to target behaviors.

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