Implementing Mindfulness and Positive Behavior Support in New Jersey Group Homes

Abstract

This is written in the context of finding best practices for group homes for IDDI in the New Jersey area. The research question is what can be done for funding and implementation of a best set of practices that include the Positive Behavior Support framework. Using qualitative data, this paper presents a way of securing funding through grant writing training, suggests methods to reduce staff turnover and suggests hiring on site ABA therapists who work in line with Autism Self-Advocacy network members for clients within the group homes. The results show that increasing funding, specific PBS staff training while reducing their turnover and stress, increases the positive outcomes and quality of life of group home members. Due to chronic underfunding, group homes are a last step for families and often have multi-year wait lists. There may be abuse from stressed workers. Reducing the case load per worker, making space for more clients, and increasing their QOL is crucial for the humanity of the group home clients.