Positive Risk-Taking in Supported Living: How to Do It Safely and Well
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Positive risk-taking is central to modern Supported Living and is expected across LD, autism and mental health commissioning. Commissioners want providers who can balance choice and control with robust safeguarding and clinical oversight. For related reading, explore PBS and Risk Management.
What Positive Risk-Taking Really Means
It is not about allowing unsafe behaviour — it is about enabling people to:
- Grow independence.
- Develop confidence and self-determination.
- Access the community in meaningful ways.
- Take age-appropriate risks with proper support.
All while ensuring structured oversight, clear documentation and multi-agency decision-making.
Key Components of Effective Positive Risk-Taking
1. A Clear Risk-Enablement Framework
Strong providers show:
- Structured tools for balanced risk discussion.
- Shared decision-making with the person, family and MDT.
- Transparent benefits analysis (not just risk lists).
2. MDT Involvement and Accountability
- Psychology, psychiatry, SALT and OT involvement where relevant.
- Joint sign-off for higher-level risks.
- Documented clinical rationale and recommendations.
3. Clear and Accessible Support Plans
Plans should explain:
- What the person wants to achieve.
- What the risk is — written plainly.
- What support will be in place to make it safe.
- How staff will monitor, record and respond.
4. Proportionate Recording
Good evidence includes:
- Daily notes showing how the plan was implemented.
- Incident or near-miss reviews with learning captured.
- Regular MDT/Provider reviews adjusting strategies.
5. Examples That Strengthen Tender Scores
- Supporting someone to use public transport independently.
- Transitioning from 2:1 to 1:1 support with PBS oversight.
- Enabling access to community activities with graded exposure.
- Allowing increased financial autonomy with safeguards.
Why Commissioners Value This
- It reduces long-term dependency and cost.
- It aligns with strengths-based practice and personalisation.
- It supports better quality of life and reduces restrictive practice.
The strongest providers show not only that they understand positive risk-taking — but that they embed it consistently and safely across all services.
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