Moving From ‘React and Respond’ to ‘Predict and Prevent’

When it comes to supporting behaviour, one size certainly does not fit all. Every child, young person, and adult is different: each has their own likes and dislikes, strengths and skills, and unique triggers. As a result, every day is different, and can present its own challenges.

As leaders and practitioners, we often face the tricky task of supporting a range of different behaviours, juggling numerous strategies to defuse and de-escalate a wide variety of situations. Sometimes, it can feel like an impossible undertaking!

However, by investing time in understanding how we can move from a ‘react and respond’ approach, to a ‘predict and prevent’ strategy, we can begin to take pre-emptive steps to anticipate and avoid certain situations in the first place.

When we react and respond

When we react and respond to a situation, we are using our immediate judgement to defuse a situation. For example, if a person is in a heightened state, and presenting imminent self-injurious behaviour, our response might be to use a physical intervention, in order to prevent serious injury, and to reduce risk. In this type of scenario, using a physical intervention could be considered reasonable, proportionate and necessary, and in the best interests of the individual.

In light of these kinds of incidents, it would be misleading to assume that there is never a place for a ‘react and respond’ approach in schools and health and social care settings. Indeed, if there is an immediate risk of danger or injury, then making a dynamic risk assessment, and reacting in that moment, is entirely appropriate.

However, an over-reliance on a ‘react and respond’ approach can sometimes lead to hasty, rash judgements that are not always in the best interests of the individuals we support. For example, if we, as professionals, are under pressure, or struggling emotionally, we may find ourselves misreading a situation, and reacting in a way that only escalates an individual’s level of distress.

So rather than reacting and responding, it can be helpful instead to ask ourselves: what could I have done to predict and prevent this situation?

Moving towards ‘predict and prevent’

In an ideal world, we would be able to foresee and avoid every challenging situation before it occurs. While this is clearly unrealistic and unattainable, we can, however, explore and develop a ‘predict and prevent’ approach that we apply whenever possible.

This strategy relies heavily on our knowledge of the individual, and how effectively that information is shared between everyone that works with them. By knowing a child, young person, or adult well, and understanding what their triggers are, we can prevent situations arising, by predicting how they may respond.