What is a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?

A Behavior Intervention Plan is a written document that outlines strategies for reducing challenging behaviors and teaching replacement skills. It is based on the results of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and includes an operational definition of the target behavior, the hypothesized function, antecedent strategies to prevent the behavior, teaching strategies for replacement behaviors, consequence strategies for both the target and replacement behaviors, and a crisis/safety plan if applicable.

A BIP should be developed by or under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In school settings, the BIP is part of the IEP and is developed by the IEP team with input from the behavior analyst. The BIP must be based on a functional behavior assessment, not on assumptions about why a behavior occurs.

What is the difference between a BIP and an FBA?

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is the assessment process that identifies WHY a behavior occurs (its function). A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is the treatment plan that describes HOW to address the behavior based on the FBA results. The FBA comes first and informs the BIP. A BIP without an FBA is guesswork.

How often should a BIP be updated?

A BIP should be reviewed and updated whenever there is a significant change in behavior (increase, decrease, or new topography), when the current strategies are not working (data shows no progress after 2-4 weeks), at regularly scheduled intervals (typically quarterly or at each IEP review), and when there are changes in the client's environment, medications, or life circumstances. Data should drive all BIP modifications.

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