A support plan is a great tool for caregivers when trying to support an individual in reaching their goals and trying sort out why certain behaviours are happening and what can be done about it. It is the "action" part of an intervention that provides the family with tangible steps in unraveling difficult transactions and behaviours at home and in the community.

There are two kinds of support plans that can be developed for children, youth & adults. A Positive Support Plan is for children under the age of 16 and a Personal Development Plan is for youth & adults over the age of 16. A support plan may include a behavioural plan of intervention which is designed for a specific individual that focuses on identifying areas where the individual needs intervention and breaking down the intervention into manageable steps to reach short term and long term goals.

The plan addresses what is important and attainable for the specific individual. Initially a baseline is needed that shows "where the person is now" and looks towards "where we want to go." This plan is a "roadmap" that outlines how intervention will proceed and how we can get there. A support plan is always changing and adapting with the needs and accomplishments of the individual.

Although a support plan is created for a specific individual, it will most likely include important actions and recommendations for caregivers and other important individual's in the child's life.