Psychological & Behavioral Services

ADMH-DDD Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Orientation:
Overview of Alabama Behavioral Services Procedural Guidelines

Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) Orientation

The AL Behavioral Services Procedural Guidelines (BSPG) were established to provide oversight for behavior services with persons with intellectual disabilities in the state of Alabama who are served across the three HCBS Waiver programs (ID/LAH/CWP). The purpose of the BPSG is to provide information and guidance for the development and implementation of behavior services and apply to all providers and recipients of Positive Behavior Support services though the ADMH- Division of Developmental Disabilities HCBS Waiver Programs. Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) are evidence-based strategies designed to enhance the quality of life for the individual served, while decreasing challenging behavior that has caused the individual difficulty in reaching their identified goals. The Behavioral Services guidelines are intended to supplement the Community Standards used for certification of service agencies and the requirements of the Incident Prevention Management System (IPMS), which provides guidance for the ethical and HCBS compliant management of incidents that may occur with individuals who receive waiver services.

Provider agencies/staff who bill Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) through the ADMH- DD HCBS waiver programs are required to complete the orientation described in this communication. All persons involved in the provision of Behavior Supports planning, supervision, and implementation are expected to know and adhere to the guidelines, even if attendance at the orientation is not required.

A certificate is received at completion of the orientation, which must be kept on file as part of Certification Standards. All are encouraged to attend, as Positive Behavior Supports are an essential component of supporting and understanding an individual, depending on their unique needs. If you have already attended the PBS Orientation in the past, you are not required to attend again, though you are welcomed to if so desired.

Only ONE training session is needed, but multiple opportunities to attend are provided below. Register for your desired training date using the links provided, and you will receive the meeting link to join AFTER you register. Even if multiple people are attending from one organization, each person will need to register via the links below for ADMH record keeping purposes.

Please email eliza.belle@mh.alabama.gov with any questions. Thank you!

3/16/2026
10:00am- 12:00pm
https://admh.webex.com/weblink/register/r527fd6eaadc668f68783292cba20109f

3/18/2026
10:00am-12:00pm
https://admh.webex.com/weblink/register/r1d6ff24bd2d6016193631c3ac6f6bedf

3/30/2026
10:00am-12:00pm
https://admh.webex.com/weblink/register/re6fc60d46fa29857cb44251d66082aa0

4/1/2026
10:00a-12:00pm
https://admh.webex.com/weblink/register/r9d03a4030c354bf262e000c2d2e5ebde

When persons with intellectual disabilities served through one of the ADMH of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HCBS Waivers have a need for interventions to prevent behavioral crises, DDD provides specialized services through an interdisciplinary treatment modality, utilizing clinical professionals with training in behavioral supports called Comprehensive Support Services (CSS) Teams.

The CSS teams provide consultative assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in the HCBS ID, LAH, or CWP Waiver programs, and as applicable, their family/natural supports, involved provider agencies, mental health centers, police and other community support organizations to address significantly challenging, crisis, and/or emergency situations that may lead to an individual experiencing psychiatric hospital admission, incarceration, or challenges to maintaining community living. Specialized services, consultations, evaluations, and trainings are provided in a manner designed to increase the individual’s coping and behavior regulation skills, and to increase the capacity and expertise of those involved in supporting the individual, in the places where they support the individual.

Additionally, the Office of Psychological and Behavior Services is available to assist the greater community at large, as well as medical and behavioral health professionals with developing internal capacity related to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities who may benefit from these specialized services.

The five Comprehensive Support Services teams are located inside of the Regional Community Services offices and provide state-wide coverage.

Training Announcement

Comprehensive Support Services Teams

Trainings and Resources

Region 1 Team

Region II Team

Region III Team

Region IV Team

Region V Team