This article presents the Forensic Functional Assessment Measure (FFAM): a tool to assess the triggers and functions of behaviours that challenge in a medium-secure mental health setting. The measure was designed by a group of practitioners in the field who were implementing positive behaviour support (PBS). The aim was to replace other widely used tools that were designed for use with a learning disability population.

The FFAM is a semi-structured interview tool and informant-based assessment. Preliminary testing of the tool was carried out by four staff members with seven service users. Findings indicate that the FFAM successfully identified triggers and functions of behaviours that challenge and that it could be used to develop PBS plans. This was a pilot study focusing on a small sample; additional research is required to determine the reliability and validity of the FFAM.