Preconference - Keeping it Real: Working with People with Challenging Behaviors using Person-Centered ValuesSupporting people with challenging behaviors to build better lives while maintaining the safety of the individuals, the staff and the public can be very challenging. Being person-centered and humanistic while at the same time managing the very real risks posed by these individuals can be very difficult. The risks are real, and the consequences can be very serious. This training will explore the ways that person-centered values, when applied with special consideration to the specialized needs of these types of individuals, can provide us with powerful tools that greatly enhance the quality of our services, improve “buy in” by the individuals and increase safety for everyone involved while helping the person to overcome their reliance on their maladaptive behaviors so they can live richer, fuller lives. John FinnJohn W. Finn received a Bachelor of Science Degree in special education and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Syracuse University. He has worked in several capacities in various human services settings including direct care, community residence manager, and program coordinator. For 32 years he served as the Director of Forensic Services for the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, now the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. For several years he was the Director of a free standing, secure, intensive residential treatment facility, certified as an ICF/MR. Mr. Finn retired from state service in 2010 and now serves as President of Forensic Specialists, offering full service consultations, expert evaluations and specialized training. Most recently Mr. Finn has pioneered the development and application of Person Centered Dynamic Risk Manageability, a comprehensive approach to supporting high risk individuals in community settings. Mr. Finn is a clinical member of the Association of Treatment of Sexual Abusers and a member and past President of the Association of Professional Developmental Disabilities Administrators. He has provided expert testimony, consultation and training to all 50 states, the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on topics including the assessment and treatment of people with developmental disabilities who have histories of high risk behaviors such as sexual offending, fire setting and severe aggression. He has assisted several states in designing systems for the individualized intensive care, treatment and support of individual with developmental disabilities who have significant involvements in the criminal justice system. |
