In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn welcomes Sharon Paley, founder and CEO of the Australian Centre for Restraint Reduction & Elimination (ACRRE). Sharon has a wide breadth and depth of experience in restrictive practice reduction. Her 40+ years of experience is reflected by her strong practice background, knowledge of practice research, and achievements in the field. Together, Jenn and Sharon dive into the complex and crucial topic of restrictive practices, discussing what they are, where they occur, and the systemic issues that allow them to persist. Sharon shares her professional journey, detailing how her early experiences shaped her dedication to reducing these practices and advocating for more ethical and supportive approaches.

Listeners will gain insights into the ethical considerations surrounding restrictive practices and learn why it is essential to address these issues for the well-being of both the individuals affected and the professionals implementing them. Sharon’s emphasis on the importance of understanding and improving communication methods offers practical and impactful strategies for those in support roles, making this episode an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a difference in behaviour support.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:24] Introduction to Sharon Paley and her work on restrictive practices.
• [00:01:43] Defining restrictive practices and their application across various sectors.
• [00:07:18] Discussion on the real-life impacts of restrictive practices on individuals.
• [00:11:04] Identifying the most vulnerable groups affected by restrictive practices.
• [00:17:13] Examples of restrictive practices used inappropriately due to lack of guidance.
• [00:26:15] The importance of restraint reduction plans alongside behaviour support plans.
• [00:30:10] Misconceptions about risk management and how they influence practices.
• [00:36:47] The role of leadership in modelling change and reducing restrictive practices.
• [00:42:19] Addressing fear and gaining buy-in from staff implementing support plans.
• [00:51:06] Resources and further support for understanding and managing restrictive practices.