Laura Baker Services Association Launches New Behavioral Support Service

Behavioral Support Services will provide person-centered behavioral support for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are experiencing behavioral issues.

Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), one of the oldest providers of housing and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the country, has announced the launch of Behavioral Support Services (BSS). BSS will provide behavioral consultations and training to families and organizations that serve people with IDD who are experiencing behavioral issues.

Services and duration are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the complexity of the situation. “Our team of caring and qualified professionals is dedicated to providing a person-centered approach to address challenging behaviors,” says LBSA Director of Behavioral Support Services, Malissa Parrott-Stahnke. “Our goal is to empower people in their current home, occupational or academic settings so they can thrive in all aspects of their life.”

As many as 30–40% of people with IDD suffer from psychiatric disorders that co-occur with their disability. “Typical mental health treatment programs or interventions have not been designed with the IDD community in mind,” Parrott-Stahnke explains. “BSS serves to address the significant impact of the unmet needs in our care system through a cost-effective, personalized approach.”

Services include person-centered behavioral assessments, support plan consultation, engagement and coordination with community resources and existing providers, positive support services, crisis support planning, data collection, and staff training for organizations like hospitals, group homes, schools, day programs, county agencies and more. To begin, BSS will be offered in the south metro as well as south central and southeast Minnesota.

To learn more, schedule a consultation or view FAQs, visit: laurabaker.org/behavioral-support.