A Gal With a Plan or A Man With a Plan?

Using contracts to create behavioral boundaries in the community...ahead of time.

Are you a Support Staff for the Developmentally Disabled, wanting to fulfill a client's wishes and take them somewhere in the community? Of course. BUT...if this person has a habit of changing plans mid-trip, or re-writing the narrative about what was agreed upon, AND has potentially challenging behaviors...you're concerned about what could happen if things manifest in the vehicle in a way that could potentially sabotage the trip, and make things un-safe for everyone.

What can you do to help facilitate the desired outing, without it leading to a meltdown or a situation where you, yourself, would be compromised?

One answer fits nicely in your tool belt: Fashioned by colleagues of mine, and known as, (depending on the individual) a "GAL WITH A PLAN" or "MAN WITH A PLAN" - a contractual template that, when used properly, can help keep the waters calm...and keep everyone happy!

We did NOT talk about going to the mall!

You agreed on lunch with a client at a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, but, on a time constraint. The restaurant is adjacent to the Mega Mall Shopping Center USA. Suddenly it's brought to your attention that you said the mall was part of the trip. What?? No, I said we...and you said we...as you peer into the narrow, rear view mirror...

Pull Over and Get Out of the Car.

This was the protocol for one individual I worked with as a Residential Staff, myself, many years ago...where, if challenging behaviors began fomenting in the vehicle while in transit or not, you were to pull over immediately, and/or (if parked) get out right away, and take the keys with you. You would be reimbursed later for any potential damage done to your vehicle.

This is definitely a more serious example - but taking steps AHEAD OF TIME can help clear the road before you.

When, Where, Why, With Whom, How Much $...

Using a basic, contractual template, you can establish all of these things ahead of time, before departing, IN THE INDIVIDUAL'S OWN HANDWRITING. Clarity is achieved.

Signed, Sauce & Celery Sticks.

The final touch - both the individual AND the staff sign and date at the bottom. Other staff present could also sign. In many years of service, I have found this type of tool to be quite helpful in striving for safety in the community. Communicate ahead of time in multiple ways. Know what behaviors to look for. Hear the seatbelts click. Smell the hot wings...

Questions? Feel free to email me at jeff.rumbaugh@thetranslation-bc.com. Thanks for tuning in and stay REAL!! Jeff 🫶🏼

"Sometimes all it takes is a good translator."