Polk County Positive Behavior Support Network

July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2018 Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan Overview

  1. Strategic Plan Framework
  1. Strategic Plan Development Process
  1. Where Are We Now?
  1. Where Do We Want To Be?
  1. How Do We Get There?
  1. How Do We Measure Performance?

I. Strategic Plan Framework

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a values based approach designed to prevent interfering behavior rather than correcting or punishing the individual. PBS marries the skills of teaching and prevention by arranging the environment in such a way that interfering behavior becomes an irrelevant, inefficient, and ineffective means of communication. PBS strategies are empirically based to facilitate the evaluation of change efforts. The goal is to invest in the strengths and abilities of the individual, not with the focus of “fixing” the individual.

The Polk County PBS Network is a multi-agency collaboration among Candeo, ChildServe, Community Support Advocates, Crest Services, Easter Seals Iowa, Eyerly Ball, Link Associates, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Mainstream Living, Mosaic, Optimae Life Services, Polk County Coordination Agencies, Polk County Health Services, Polk County Integrated Services, and Progress Industries.

The PBS Network Strategic Plan is a 3-year plan intended to provide guidance and accountability. Each collaborating agency has a representative or liaison on the PBS Board which drives PBS implementation. The PBS Board updates and periodically reviews plan progress. The plan addresses important questions and provides both a short and longer term direction for the PBS Network. Questions which address commonly used terms are defined below:

Term / Question Addressed
Mission / What is our primary purpose?
Vision / How should we achieve our mission?
Core Values / What core beliefs guide our decision making?
Operating Principles / How should services be delivered in Polk County?
Strategic Commitments / What are the most important things we need to do to move forward in support of the services vision?
Pinnacle Issues / Which areas are not in harmony with the PBS vision, operating principles and/or our mission, vision, core values?
Goal / What do we want to accomplish in the future?
Objective / What do we pledge to accomplish in the next 3 years?
Task / What actions will we use to achieve our objectives?
Projected Cost / What is the estimated value of financial, human, technological, and other resources?
Measures / How do we measure progress toward fulfilling our mission?

II. Strategic Plan Development Process

This is the PBS Network’s fifth Strategic Plan. The plan development process was spearheaded in November2014 when the PBS Board met with Geery Howe for a Board Strategic Planning Retreat. In January 2015, the Board shared information from the retreat with PBS Network agency representatives at the Quarterly Membership meeting and collected feedback. This Strategic Plan was created by incorporating the discussions and feedback from these meetings into the overall vision of the PBS Network.

Relevancy

PBS as practiced in Polk County is a values based approach that is designed to prevent interfering behaviors rather than correcting the individual. It is the marriage of teaching and prevention, by arranging the environment in such a way that interfering behaviors become irrelevant. It is empirically based to facilitate the evaluation of change efforts. The goal is to invest in the capacity of the person, not focus on correction of the person. The emphasis on values based approaches that invest in the person ensures services are driven by the individual’s hopes, dreams, barriers, needs, and successes in a systemic environment that is increasingly moving toward a medical model of service provision. Ensuring PBS values are at the center drives high quality services for the individuals supported.

Within the PBS Network service system, individuals are presenting with more complex needs, including co- and multi-occurring diagnoses. Many conventional approaches to serving this population are focused on decreasing interfering behaviors through restriction and addressing the symptoms, and in turn are less effective in meeting the needs of these individuals. PBS uses individual-specific approaches, focusing on empowerment and addressing cause, meaning a person’s needs are foremost considered.

The PBS Network, being composed of like-minded agencies with common goals and values, provides each agency, and the Network as a whole, with a broad base of experience, skills, and resources which in turn better braces the Network for challenges and sets it up for new opportunities. The shared purpose and partnerships lead to better outcomes for individuals supported in our service system.

III. Where Are We Now?

The PBS Network began in 2005 with a handful of agencies and has now expanded to 15 collaborating agencies and PBS Teams. Over the past 10 years, the PBS Network has provided numerous and varied training opportunities, developed strong and reciprocal partnerships, created a website and resource library, and continued to meet needs of individuals with ever increasing and complex needs. The high quality services provided through PBS Network partnerships, in alignment with PBS philosophy and practice, are captured in annual outcomes data collection. The data shows steady improvement over time of many quality of life measures, such as access to somatic care, engagement into community activities, competitive employment, and participation in adult education opportunities. It also shows a consistently high level of participant and concerned others satisfaction, including a specific measure of how individuals rate their overall quality of life.

IV. Where Do We Want To Be?

The foundation of the strategic plan rests on the PBS Network’s mission, vision, and core values. By implementing the identified strategic commitments, we intend to continually improve services and service access by expanding the PBS Network, refocusing our training structure, and continuing to reduce inconsistencies between how services are currently delivered and our services operating principles.

PBS Mission

To promote innovative, positive supports for persons served through inter-agency collaboration.

PBS Vision

Network agencies will utilize shared philosophy and learning opportunities to promote an enhanced quality of life for people.

PBS Core Values

We make decisions based on our values:

  • Dignity and respect: Network agencies will honor the inherent worth and individuality of each person.
  • Training and Education: Network agencies will be offered a variety of training opportunities to enhance best practices.
  • Person Centered Excellence: Network agencies will incorporate each person’s passions and priorities and provide opportunities for the person to continue to address their interests, concerns, and dreams.
  • Informed Choice: Network agencies will assist people to fully understand costs and benefits of all available options before making a choice.
  • Growth and Development: Network agencies will engage in facilitated learning opportunities to help all people reach their fullest potential.

Polk County Region System of Care Principles

The PBS Network supports a system of care to improve health, hope, and successful outcomes for Polk County residents who have mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities, including multi-occurring substance use issues, health issues, physical disabilities, brain injuries, and other complex human service needs. The system of care is based on the expectation that individuals and families will have multi-occurring issues of all kinds. Partnering together, we will develop services that are:

  • Welcoming and accessible
  • Able to emphasize integrated screening, early identification, and early intervention
  • High quality and, wherever possible, evidence-based services
  • Organized into a seamless array of community based support
  • Individualized to each consumer with planning that actively involves the individual
  • Provided in the least restrictive, appropriate settings
  • Designed to empower individuals and families as partners in their own care
  • Designed to leverage multiple financing strategies within the region, including increased use of Medicaid funded service and the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan
  • Supported by the provision of training and technical assistance to individuals and families, as well as to providers and other partners

V. How Do We Get There?

Strategic commitments emphasize the areas which the PBS Network identifies as vital to its continued growth and improvement. Objectives are prioritized using the following key:

1 = Highest Priority

2 = High Priority

3 = Priority

Strategic Commitment Area: Creating A Meaningful Life

Pinnacle Issue: The individuals in our service system are generally presenting with more complex needs, including co- and multi-occurring diagnoses. Many conventional approaches to serving this population are focused on decreasing interfering behaviors through restriction and addressing the symptoms, and in turn are less effective in meeting the true needs of these individuals. PBS uses individual-specific approaches, focusing on empowerment and addressing cause, meaning a person’s needs are foremost considered.

Goal: Organize and utilize quantitative data.

Objective #: / Objective Description (General): / Priority:
1 / Organize outcomes data and PBS Network return on investment information. / 1
2 / Secure statements from executives at PBS Network member agencies. / 2
3 / Develop and implement a plan to capitalize on this data. / 3

Priority #1- Organize outcomes data and PBS Network return on investment information

Task / LeadPerson / StartDate / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Calculate the average cost per person per training for PBSN member agencies. / Maria Walker / March 2015 / April 2015 / April 2015
Using the outcomes reported in Polk MIS, organize quantitative data related to jail days, hospital days, ER visits, homeless days, employment. / Maria Walker / Sept 2015 / Nov 2015 / On hold due to tech issues
Compare outcomes data between PBSN Member agencies and non-PBSN Member agencies. / Board / Nov 2015 / Dec 2015 / On hold due to tech issues

Priority #2- Secure statements from executives at PBS Network member agencies

Task / LeadPerson / StartDate / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Secure statements from CEOs, Executive Directors, and other upper level management at PBS Network member agencies about the benefits to their organization of being a PBS Network member, focusing on quantitative data if possible. / PBS Network member agency representatives / July 2015 / Dec 2015 / Nov 2015
Review the statements for pertinence and applicability. / Board / July 2015 / Dec 2015 / Nov 2015

Priority #3 –Develop and implement a plan to capitalize on the data

Task / LeadPerson / StartDate / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Determine the proper information and proper audience to best utilize the gathered data. / Board / Jan 2016 / March 2016 / On hold due to tech issues
Update website and marketing materials with data. / Board Secretary / March 2016 / May 2016 / On hold due to tech issues
Develop a plan to reach a broader audience, focusing on the areas our outcomes indicate are our main strengths. / Board / May 2016 / July 2016 / On hold due to tech issues

FY16 Projected Cost:

  • There is no projected financial cost for these objectives.

Strategic Commitment Area: Network Sustainability

Pinnacle Issue: Through a 2013 PBS Board retreat with Geery Howe, it was determined that the PBS Board had become too large and nebulous to be swift and effective. In 2014, a new Board and PBS Network member agency structure were adopted, in which the Board moved from comprising 1-2 members per PBS Network agency to comprising 7 individuals who are responsible for acting in a liaison role with representatives of PBS Network agencies not on the Board. Further, Board membership would be time-limited with staggered tenure, ensuring all PBS Network member agencies have the opportunity to rotate on and off the Board. To ensure continued commitment from agencies not represented on the Board at any given time, Quarterly Membership meetings have been implemented and the liaison role developed.

Goal: Develop a format and processes for information sharing and gathering among PBS Network agencies.

Objective #: / Objective Description (General): / Priority:
1 / Develop Quarterly Membership meetings. / 1
2 / Establish and grow the liaison role. / 2
3 / Create a forum for PBS Network member agencies to learn and grow with and from each other. / 3

Priority #1-Develop Quarterly Membership meetings

Task / LeadPerson / StartDate / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Use systemic climate, client needs, and PBS Network member agency feedback to drive the content and format of Quarterly Membership meetings. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018 / On-going
Use resources from the PBS library to both showcase the resources available and provide information and options for PBS Network member agencies. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018 / On-going
Annually revisit the pertinence and effectiveness of this format of information sharing and gathering. / Board / Jan 2016 / On-going annually / On-going

Priority #2-Establish and grow the liaison role

Task / LeadPerson / Start
Date / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Identify best-practices for the liaison and their PBS Network agency representative. / Board / July 2015 / Dec 2015 / Jan 2016
Establish a policy regarding the role of both the liaison and the PBS Network agency representative(s), including but not limited to communication expectations and complaint procedure. / Board / Jan 2016 / March 2016 / Jan 2016
Revisit successes and opportunities to grow the liaison role and establish next steps for this growth. / Board / March 2016 / May 2016 / Jan 2016

Priority #3-Create a forum for PBSNetwork member agencies to learn and grow with and from each other

Task / LeadPerson / Start
Date / TargetCompletionDate / ActualCompletionDate
Facilitate the sharing of PBS tools and stories among PBS Network member agencies. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018 / On-going
Provide support to member agencies to keep momentum for PBS at their agencies, including building on successes. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018
Create opportunities for structured networking among PBSN member agencies. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018

FY16 Projected Cost:

  • There is no projected financial cost for these objectives.

Strategic Commitment Area: Staff Development

Pinnacle Issue: The PBS Network supports a system of care to improve health, hope, and successful outcomes for Polk County residents who have mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities, including multi-occurring substance use issues, health issues, physical disabilities, brain injuries, and other complex service needs. Providing training to develop staff has historically been a strategic advantage and a key benefit to PBSNetwork Member Agencies. It is mission critical to provide ongoing continuing educational opportunities, staff development, and training to the Polk County Network and other like providers in the State of Iowa with regards to Positive Behavior Support.

Goal: Create a training structure which provides targeted and sequential training and has room to grow in value to external entities.

Objective #: / Objective Description (General): / Priority:
1 / Expand the availability of training to PBSNetwork member agencies. / 1
2 / Develop a tiered training structure to provide targeted and sequential training. / 2
3 / Expand training to non- PBS Network entities. / 3

Priority #1: Expand the availability of training to PBSNetwork member agencies

Task / Lead Person / Start
Date / Target Completion Date / Actual Completion Date
Utilize technology to make trainings more availableand accessible to PBSNetwork member agencies. / Academy / July 2015 / Dec 2016
Highlight the PBS library at Quarterly Membership meetings. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018 / On-going
Investigate the development of a pool of PBS Trainers. / Academy / July 2015 / Dec 2015
Review recommendations from the Academy regarding the development of a pool of PBS Trainers. / Board / Jan 2016 / June 2016

Priority #2: Develop a tiered training structure to provide targeted and sequential training

Task / Lead Person / Start
Date / Target Completion Date / Actual Completion Date
Form a workgroup to develop a tiered training structure. / Maria Walker / July 2015 / June 2016
Review recommendations of the workgroup and work with the workgroup and the Academy on next steps. / Board / July 2016 / June 2017
Implement changes to fit the new tiered training structure. / Academy / July 2017 / June 2018

Priority #3: Expand training to non-PBS Network entities

Task / Lead Person / Start
Date / Target Completion Date / Actual Completion Date
Investigate the opportunities and realities of holding a PBS Summit. / Academy / Jan 2017 / June
2017
Review recommendations of the Academy and establish next steps as applicable. / Board / July 2017 / Nov 2017

FY16 Projected Cost:

  • $15,000

Strategic Commitment Area: A Community of Providers

Pinnacle Issue: The shared purpose and partnerships within the PBS Network lead to better outcomes for individuals supported in our service system. Comprising more than a dozen service providers in Polk County, the PBSNetwork represents an array of service types, client demographics, and client needs. We recognize that each individual is unique and complex, and often requires the partnership of different provider agencies to generate positive outcomes for the individual.

Further, in the changing service environment, a network of like-minded agencies with common goals and values provides each agency, and the network as a whole, with a broad base of experience, skills, and resources which in turn better braces the network for challenges and opens the door for new opportunities.

Goal #1: Expand the PBS Network.

Objective #: / Objective Description (General): / Priority:
1 / On-board entities who are interested in joining the PBS Network. / 1
2 / Ensure continued effectiveness of the PBSNetwork Board. / 2
3 / Expand PBS into existing networks and entities not already associated with the PBS Network. / 3

Priority #1: On-board entities who are interested in joining the PBS Network

Task / Lead Person / Start
Date / Target Completion Date / Actual Completion Date
Create an on-boarding process for bringing new entities into the PBS Network. / Board / July 2015 / Dec 2015 / Val has and will type
Maintain the PBSNetwork Website with current information. / Board Secretary / July 2015 / June 2018 / On-going
On-board interested entities as appropriate using the new on-boarding process. / Board / July 2015 / June 2018

Priority #2: Ensure continued effectiveness of the PBSNetwork Board