Strawberry Fields Implementing D-PBIS

At Strawberry Fields, our promise has always been the same: to provide safe, caring, and stable homes where every person feels valued and included. We are now taking another important step forward by implementing Devereux Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS).

This is not about changing who we are or replacing what we do. It is about building on our strong foundation and continuing to grow. Our partnership with Devereux brings new tools, training, and proven strategies that strengthen the supports we already provide.

A Positive Approach to Support

D-PBIS is a proactive and preventive approach that helps create supportive, predictable environments where every person can succeed. The framework focuses on the strengths of each individual and uses evidence-based strategies to teach and reinforce positive behaviors.

One of the greatest strengths of D-PBIS is its flexibility. It adapts to each person’s needs and offers the right level of support at the right time through three tiers:

• Universal supports for everyone

• Targeted supports for those who need a little more help

• Intensive supports for individuals who benefit from highly personalized strategies    

Through this multi-tiered system, staff and residents work together to:

• Teach shared expectations such as being safe, responsible, and respectful

• Recognize and celebrate positive choices

• Provide clear and consistent guidance when challenges arise

  
  

Instead of simply reacting to problems, D-PBIS focuses on teaching, prevention, and collaboration. It helps individuals understand behavioral expectations in different environments, supporting their ability to live and participate fully in their communities.

Our Next Steps

To bring this model to life, Strawberry Fields is making a significant investment in our structure and staff. We are currently hiring a D-PBIS Coordinator, with program oversight responsibilities including visiting programs on a rotating basis, monitoring staff observations and data, and collaborating closely with our quality and compliance team.

The coordinator will also connect with peers across the Devereux network, sharing lessons learned, collaborating on problem-solving, and bringing new insights back to Strawberry Fields. Alongside our quality team and other staff members, the coordinator will serve on the soon-to-be-created Strawberry Fields D-PBIS Leadership Team to guide the program’s implementation and ongoing improvement.

This investment means employees will continue to gain new skills and tools that strengthen their ability to support residents with consistency, respect, and compassion. D-PBIS is not a one-time training. It is an ongoing partnership that includes our staff, residents, and families, all working together to promote learning, growth, and well-being.

What This Looks Like Day to Day

In daily life, this approach helps make our homes even more supportive and predictable. Staff and residents collaborate to set expectations, celebrate successes, and navigate challenges calmly and respectfully.

It also strengthens the foundation of care by:

• Creating safe and consistent routines

• Modeling healthy boundaries

• Adjusting environments to meet individual needs

• Teaching emotional self-regulation

• Offering meaningful choices

• Partnering closely with families, caregivers, and community agencies

As residents practice these skills, they gain a clearer understanding of what is expected in different settings, preparing them to live, work, and thrive in the community.

The Devereux Difference

Our affiliation with Devereux makes this possible. Their national expertise, combined with the personal, community-based care that defines Strawberry Fields, allows us to offer the best of both worlds: trusted local support backed by proven national practices.