Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As the Callan Institute begins their fifteenth year in the provision of Positive Behaviour Support it is a good time to reflect on the work of Positive Behaviour Support.

Over the last 14 years the Callan Institute has facilitated training courses and workshops for families, staff teams and organisations in Positive Behaviour Support.We continue to conduct case-work collaboratively with teams within St. John of God Community Services, and at times will assist an external agency as they conduct a comprehensive behaviour assessment for an individual with behaviours that challenge.

We have also hosted a number of conferences here in Ireland and presented at other events nationally and internationally. Our research programme continues to develop with research assistants engaged on a number of projects.

In the last 12 months, 889 people attended training courses, seminars, conferences and workshops and 24 individuals were supported directly by the team in the Callan Institute in the area of Positive Behaviour Support.

During these 14 years I have had the privilege of being the Director of the Callan Institute and it is now time for me to retire this position to my esteemed colleague Ms Brigid Butler. Brigid is Director of Programme Development Department and has been a member of the Callan Institute’s Management team for the last 8 years. The Callan Institute will now be situated in the Programme Development Department under the Directorship of Ms. Brigid Butler. The Callan Institute’s administrative supports will be provided by St. John of God Carmona Services and we welcome AnnaMarie McGill to the Callan Institute’s management team and extend our thanks to Ms. Sharon Balmaine for her administrative support. I would like to thank you all for your support over the last 15 years and wish you success in all your Positive Behaviour Support services.

Pat Walsh, Director