A behaviour support plan is developed by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner for a person with disability to specify proactive strategies that are focused on individual needs. The behaviour support plan aims to build on the person’s strengths, increase their participation in community activities, and improve their life skills.
The behaviour support plan is developed in consultation with the person with disability, their family, carers, guardians, and other relevant individuals, as well as service providers who will be implementing the plan. It includes any regulated restrictive practices that may be required to ensure the safety of the individual and others. Regulated restrictive practices are interventions or practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. The NDIS Commission Behaviour Support Rules outlines five types of regulated restrictive practices:
1. Seclusion
The confinement of a person with disability in a room or a physical space.
2. Chemical restraint
The use of medication or chemical substance to influence a person’s behaviour.
3. Mechanical restraint
Involves the use of a device to restrict or subdue a person’s movement.
4. Physical restraint
The use of physical force to restrict or subdue a person’s movement.
5. Environmental restraint
Restricting a person’s free access to all parts of their environment, including items or activities.
Specialist behaviour support providers must register with the NDIS Commission and meet certain obligations when delivering behaviour support under the NDIS Commission. The plan development timeframes include a one-month interim plan, six months comprehensive plan, and a review plan every 12 months.
Plans must be developed in consultation with the person with disability, their support network, and the implementing provider, based on a behaviour support assessment, including a functional behavioural assessment for comprehensive plans. Plans should contain contemporary evidence-based behavioural strategies aimed at reducing and eliminating restrictive practices.
Sometimes, regulated restrictive practices may be the only way to ensure the safety of the person with disability and others. They can only be used if they reduce the risk of harm, are identified in the behaviour support plan, and are authorised by the state/territory.
