We hear this word thrown around in the NDIS all the time, restrictive practices. What really is it and why is it so important that a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner is involved in this?
Restrictive practices are a high-risk area in working with people with a disability. A restrictive practice make a high-risk area in working with people with a disability. A restrictive practice of movement. These are only used when there is a need to keep the individual or those around them safe.
It is only ever to be used as a last resort and should actively be worked on with a skilled positive behaviour support practitioner to be reduced over time by replacing the behaviour through skill development. NDIS positive behaviour supports a crucial role in supporting the safety with dignity, and respect upporting the safety with dignity and respect and the safety of those around them.
Here at Connect2Care, our Behaviour Support Practitioners are highly skilled to support in assessing, prescribing and reviewing the implementation and training of restrictive practices. The restrictive practice is written into a positive behaviour support plan and is lodged with NDIS Quality and Safe Guarding Commission, the deliverance of a positive behaviour plan is to support the individual, their primary care givers and any implementing provider of the restrictive practice, the document guides and supports the individual around the safe use, situational use of the restrictive practice and active steps to minimise use over time.
Connect2Care is a registered NDIS provider holding registration for Specialist Behaviour Support (registration group 0110), meaning our Behaviour Support Practitioners are formally assessed as suitable by the NDIS Commission against the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework. This registration is not held by all providers – it requires a certification audit against the NDIS Practice Standards and means participants can be confident they are receiving plans developed by formally credentialed practitioners, not unregistered individuals.
FAQs:
What are restrictive practices?
A restrictive practice is something that limits or restricts a person’s ability to perform an action or make a choice or movement that may otherwise harm themselves or others. A restrictive practice has a significant impact on a person’s freedom of decision-making and therefore is highly regulated and should only be used as a last resort in a behaviour support plan, and there must be clear plans to reduce the restrictive practice as much as possible. A positive behaviour support practitioner is deemed appropriate by the NDIS to support with assessing and managing restrictive practices under the NDIS.
What are the types of restrictive practices?
There are five types of restrictive practice categories defined by the NDIS.
– Seclusion – Separating a person into a room or safe space where they are cannot exit when they want too. Chemical restraint – The use of a medication to alter behaviour
– Mechanical restraint – Using equipment or devices to restrict movements. e.g., a specialised chair or a belt that prevents someone from standing or moving out of that space.
– Physical restraint – using physical restraint by holding or restricting a person’s movement.
– Environmental restraint – restricting a person’s access to a location, an object or an activity. E.g., a lock on a kitchen cupboard or fridge.
When can restrictive practices be used?
Restrictive practices are only used as a last resort; they should only be implemented once all other strategies to de-escalate the behaviour have been tried. A restrictive practice is used to put a stop to a person seriously injuring themselves or someone else. The restrictive practice can only be used once it has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission. The least restrictive practice must be applied before any higher levels of support are implemented, and it must only be used for the shortest period of time possible.
Are restrictive practices legal?
Yes, restrictive practices can legally be used in certain situations when they have been thoroughly assessed by an authorised behaviour support practitioner, clearly documented within a behaviour support plan, and reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission.
It is important to note that every state and territory in Australia has its own laws and authorisation requirements that must also be followed. At Connect2Care, our clinicians are trained to support and respond to both the requirements of the state or territory you live in and the requirements of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort when there is a risk of harm to the person or others, and when less restrictive strategies have not been effective.
However, once a restrictive practice is in place, it does not mean it can be used forever. The purpose of Positive Behaviour Support is to reduce the need for, and ultimately eliminate, restrictive practices over time by helping the person develop alternative strategies and skills that improve safety and quality of life for both the person and those around them.
Behaviour support plans are reviewed regularly and at least every 12 months, or sooner if required.
How does PBS help reduce restrictive practices?
A positive behaviour support practitioner will complete a functional behavioural assessment to understand the purpose of the behaviour, the “why” a behaviour occurs. The positive behaviour support practitioner assesses the restrictive practice and aims to prevent situations from escalating that requires the use as much as possible.
As part of the implementation process the practitioner works on understanding the nature of the restrictive practice, aims to teach alternative skills to replace the behaviour escalations and adjust the environment including supporting key staff and family/caregivers with training and support in actively working on implementing strategies to reduce the need for the restrictive practice while promoting dignity of the individual. This is monitored ongoing to confirm effectiveness of the strategies and reduction in use.
What is a behaviour support plan?
A behaviour support plan is a document that explains the function of the behaviour/s that a person exhibit. It is designed to support those around them to understand why the behaviour may occur, identify triggers or contributing factors, and outline proactive and reactive strategies to support the person safely and effectively.
A plan is written after thorough consultation with the individual, their family, support services and other key stakeholders in the person’s life to develop a clear understanding and select individualised, effective strategies that will make a difference to the person and the support people in their lives.
The plan contains the following information:
– Information about the individual, their strengths, interests, goals and communication preferences
– Description of the behaviours of concern
– The function of the behaviour
– Triggers, warnings, and other factors that may increase the likelihood of the behaviour occurring
– Strategies to implement to decrease the likelihood of behaviour occurring
– Strategies to build skills to support the individual to develop alternatives to the behaviour, improve communications, regulate emotions or cope with challenges
– Strategies to implement if the behaviour occurs to support those around to safely respond
– Details of approved restrictive practices and goals for elimination over time (if relevant)
– Monitoring requirements and review dates
An interim behaviour support plan is completed within 1 month if the initiation of services and a comprehensive plan is completed within 6 months.
An interim plan is initiated when a restrictive practice is already in place, there is an risk or urgent behaviour of concern present but a full assessment has not been completed as of yet. This allows a clinician to immediately initiate strategies to reduce risk and support the individual and key stakeholders while continuing to complete the comprehensive analysis.
A comprehensive behaviour support plan is a full, evidence-based and long-term behaviour support plan.
The plan is developed after a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) has been conducted.
The FBA consults with the participant, family/carers, support workers, allied health professionals, and all other relevant services.
Provides a complex view of the behaviours of concern across all environments and contexts to build a comprehensive, personalised plan to support the specific needs of the individuals and support the individuals’ support system to reduce the behaviours over time and increase skill development over time.
Who approves restrictive practices?
Approvals are handled at the relevant state and territory government through a specific process. The NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission oversees reporting, regulation, and compliance.
Example: Positive behaviour support Melbourne-based practitioner includes a restrictive practice, which is then authorised by an Authorised Program Officer (APO) and then submitted to the Senior Practitioner for additional review, followed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission lodgement. This process in Melbourne Specific – each state and territory follow different processes; you allocated Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner will guide you through your appropriate legislative requirements.
What are the risks of using restrictive practices?
The risks are significant, which is why this area is so heavily regulated. Every restrictive practice limits a person’s right to make their own choices – a fundamental human right recognised under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Additional risks include:
– Physical injury to the person or support workers
– Psychological distress and trauma
– Erosion of trust and therapeutic relationships
– Reinforcement of escalating behaviour patterns if used incorrectly
– Legal and regulatory consequences for providers who use unauthorised practices
Our practitioners at Connect2Care approach each situation with the full weight of these risks in mind. Dignity, safety, and human rights sit at the centre of every Behaviour Support Plan we develop.
Can restrictive practices be eliminated completely?
Yes, it is possible to eliminate restrictive practices altogether, and this is the intention of Positive Behaviour Support.
The goal is always to reduce – replace – eliminate where possible
All restrictive practices are to be reduced and phased out over time wherever possible.
This is achieved by:
– Understanding the cause of the behaviour through a comprehensive functional analysis
– The person builds communication or coping skills
– Environments are adapted and supportive to reduce triggers
– Consistent proactive supports are put implemented by family and supporting providers
– Family members and supporting staff are trained in de-escalation and prevention strategies.
What this mean within Connect2Care?
Our Behaviour Support Practitioners in Melbourne and across Australia are experienced in supporting participants with complex needs, including those currently subject to regulated restrictive practices. Whether you are seeking an initial assessment, an interim plan, or a comprehensive behaviour support plan, our team is here to provide skilled, compassionate, and compliant support, always with a clear focus on building capacity, reducing risk, and working towards a life of greater freedom and quality for the people we support.
What should I do if a restrictive practice is being used without a Behaviour Support Plan?
If you are a participant, family member, or support worker and you believe a restrictive practice is being used without a current, approved Behaviour Support Plan, this is an unauthorised restrictive practice and should be addressed promptly.
Steps to take:
1. Contact a registered NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner to engage their services as quickly as possible – an interim BSP can be developed within one month
2. The implementing provider must report the unauthorised use to the NDIS Commission within five days
3. If the current provider is not registered for Module 2A, they must either seek registration or support the participant to transition to a registered provider
4. You can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly on 1800 035 544 for guidance.
5. Connect2Care is available to support urgent situations, develop interim plans, and guide both participants and implementing providers through the process of moving from unauthorised to authorised practice as safely and efficiently as possible.
