Examples of Skill-Building in Positive Supports

Being person-centered means that we are thinking about what is important to a child or adult while making sure that planning processes also address what is important for their health and safety. Balancing what is important to someone while making sure that environments help people feel safe is an important element needed to create a supportive environment. A supportive environment takes into account the physical, personal, and social and emotional aspects of a particular setting.

Thinking About What is Important To a Child or Adult

What is important to a person includes feelings related to:

• Comfort: Feelings that are soothing and ease distress, experiencing routines or activities that are well known to someone, the sense of assurance freedom from pain
• Enjoyment: The pleasure or satisfaction we feel from being part of a group of people, completing something important, experiencing a positive emotional state
• Relaxation – Events and activities that help decrease stress or tension
• Wellness: Achieving or working towards a healthy mind and body
• Social Connection: Forming meaningful connections with others, building relationships and feeling valued by others
• Personal Development: Growing as a person and achieving the ability to feel self-actualized and confident in one's own abilities
• Belonging: A feeling that one is accepted and contributes to a one or more individuals or a community of people
• Pursuit of Happiness: The opportunity to seek contentment, pleasure, joy, or good fortune, and what brings such

Visit the Module 1 Resource Page to find the Minnesota Department of Human Services Page on creating a supportive environment