Before we can begin to address behavioural concerns, we first need to understand behaviour and how to approach behavioural issues. Research shows that a child's social-emotional development is essential and without strong parental attachments children are at risk of behavioural issues, due to social-emotional impairment. Often as foster parents, you do not have the whole story, especially right away. This is why when a child first comes into your home you need to focus on creating a relationship first and foremost. Create a positive environment where you are can build a bond with the child so that they feel valued, only then can you can focus on behaviour management.

Since social and emotional behaviour in young children is highly situational, it is imperative that when analyzing behaviour, assessments include as much information as possible including details of the environment both during and prior to the incident. These factors may influence the child's behaviour, so it is important to record as much detail as possible. Using checklists and functional behaviour assessments as early as possible, then alllows those assessments to become valuable tools moving forward. This information can act as a guide, allowing you to make changes to mitigate risks and triggers in the child's environment that may otherwise go unnoticed.