PERSON CENTRED PLANNING

• Person-centred planning refers to a process whereby the individual and his or her support network lead the planning process. A good plan ensures that staff and other members of the team focus their time and energy on the things that matter most to the individual.
• When we first begin providing service, and annually thereafter, a team meeting is held where the individual sets goals for the coming year. Sometimes these meetings follow the Ministry’s personal service plan (“PSP”) format, while other people prefer a different format, like PATHs. The meetings are tailor-made to
  suit the needs of the individual, so it’s a comfortable and positive experience for everyone.
• The program manager assesses progress on the annual plan through regular contact with the individual and family, through team meetings and written updates, making adjustments or updating the plan as the person’s needs and desires change.

Each of us wants a life where we:

• are supported by and contribute to our communities:
  • stay safe and healthy (on our own terms)
  • have what/who is important to us in everyday life: people to be with, things to do, places to be
  • have opportunities to meet new people, try new things, change jobs, change who we live with and where we live
  • have our own dreams and our own journeys

(with apologies to Abraham Maslow)

Person-centred planning is a relatively new concept.  It differs from the old model of planning where programs and systems, not individuals, were the focus.  In the old model -

• "Planners" and "doers" were not connected
• Plans were done to meet rules, not change lives
• Goals and actions were disconnected from helping people live meaningful lives

Key Principles in Person Centred Thinking and Planning (From "Good to Great" Conference - June 2005)

• Individuals must be at the centre and lead the planning process
• Planning reflects each person’s unique strengths and gifts
• Family members and friends are partners, unless the person chooses otherwise.
• Planning describes what is important to the person now and in the future and specifies the support they require to make a valued contribution to their community
• Planning builds a shared commitment by partners to act in ways that uphold the person’s rights and responsibilities.
• Planning requires continual listening, learning and action.
• Planning processes need to be flexible and responsive.
• Policies and structures must support person centred thinking and planning
• Plans are living documents that evolve as people’s needs change.
• Successful implementation requires the organizational culture to continuously change and adapt.
• There are many different ways for people to achieve their hopes and dreams
• Everyone is accountable in a system based on person centred thinking and practice.
• Risk needs to be balanced by people’s right to choose.

TWO New Resources from MCFD:

• Your Future Now: A transition Planning and Resource Guide for Youth with Special Needs and their Families
• Transition Planning for Youth with Special Needs: A Community Support Guide

Other Planning Resources on the NET:

• http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/personcentered.htm 
• http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/ped/tsal/pcp/index.html?CFID=118233&CFTOKEN=17546617 
• http://www.ttac.odu.edu/Articles/person.html