Setting Event Strategies

Clinical Use:  Setting Event Strategies

Prevention strategies and implementation plan: Two of the most powerful ways to decrease problem behavior involve developing prevention strategies that 1) reduce the student’s need to use that problem behavior in the first place, and 2) “set the stage” or “trigger” positive behaviors.  Carefully consider the Setting Events identified in the FBA, and select or design strategies that directly address these variables affecting the target behavior.

For example, if Setting Events analysis indicates family conflicts before school and late arrival, then prevention strategies like a check-in/check-out program (e.g., meeting with a preferred, supportive staff member before and after school) may help address these issues.  

Setting event strategies:  Select or design strategies that eliminate or neutralize the effect of setting events on the target behavior.

For example, “inconsistent medication management” may be neutralized by establishing consistent communications with the supervising psychiatrist and/or transferring some medication delivery responsibilities to the school nurse during school hours.

Implementation Details:  Describe any details that may be essential or relevant to Setting Event Strategy implementation.