Responding to disruptive behaviour in schools: Collaboration and capacity building for early intervention

Abstract

The Disruptive Behaviours project was a partnership between a child and adolescent mental health service, local government school focused youth service, and the education sector, and provided educational material for teachers and families concerning the aetiology and management of disruptive behaviours. Each partner in the project shared the perception that children and adolescents with disruptive behaviour disorders were often misunderstood and a source of stress to those with whom they came into contact. This paper describes an innovative response to increasing understanding and enhancing effective responses in school settings towards these young people. The project provided professional education seminars for primary and secondary schools, and a resource book was prepared and given to schools. Written material was prepared for families both at primary and secondary schools. As the project developed, a shared understanding of the issues evolved in the partnership. The project demonstrates the positive outcomes for schools and agencies of multi-systemic collaboration.