Support documents are written instructions for direct supporters. They lay out in a clear, step-by-step way, instructions for how to provide support to someone around a known, serious risk in their life. Support documents come in many forms and include protocols, safety plans, financial support plans, and more other documents. All support documents need to be personalized and specific to the person whose supports are being described. We should only provide supports that the person agrees with.
This month, we want to highlight several resources related to creating support documents. We’ve also included a few prompting questions that may help you improve and review existing documents.
Questions to consider when developing or reviewing support documents:
- Was the person involved in creating supports around the risk? Has their perspective been captured in the support document?
- Does the person want this support? Do they agree with how it is provided?
- Is the support document unique to the person? Are the supports individualized? Is it clear who the supports belong to if you didn’t read the name at the top of the page?
- Is what is ‘important to’ the person reflected in the support document? How?
- Does the document provide clear instructions for direct supporters? Is the language used accessible? Are the instructions specific to the location where the support will be provided?
- Is information up to date? Have you learned anything new since this document was written? Does the person want to something different?
Support Document Resources
- At OregonISP.org, we offer a number of deeper dives on support documents and developing risk management strategies.
- ISP Module 5: Risk Management Strategies–-This module explains a person-centered approach to managing known risks. It also covers supporting challenging behaviors. The Provider Risk Management Strategies (PRMS) form is also addressed.
- Risk Management Strategies– This recorded webinar introduces a person-centered approach to risk management. It reviews the purpose and function of the risk management plan in the Oregon Individual Support Plan (ISP). It then provides an overview of various written strategies that could be implemented to address an identified risk. It also talks briefly talk about protocols, financial plans, safety plans, and various types of positive behavior support documents. Finally, it closes with an overview of implementing support strategies and keeping them current.
- 2017 Support Documents– This recorded webinar introduces the 2017 General Protocol and Financial Plan forms published in Adobe Acrobat DC format. It also discusses topics such as who writes support documents and why they’re helpful.
- Protocol Instructions, Financial Plan Instructions– These documents give some helpful tips when using the protocol templates available at https://oregonisp.org/forms/support-docs/
- Reach out to us! We’re happy to be a resource for you. If you have a specific question, if you’re wanting suggestions, or even if you just want to brainstorm, we’re happy to connect.Reach out by sending a support request.