Reducing restrictive practices for NDIS participants in Sydney
A restrictive practice should only ever be a last resort. Our plans aim to reduce restrictive practices over time.
What are restrictive practices under the NDIS?
A restrictive practice is anything that limits the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees 5 regulated types.
Some people arrive with restrictive practices already in place, such as locked gates or a physical hold. Under the NDIS, the aim is to use them less over time.
A restrictive practice should only ever be a last resort. It must be the least restrictive option, used for the shortest time and set out in a Behaviour Support Plan.
Our role is to understand what each practice is standing in for. Then we build skills and supports so it is needed less.
Regulated restrictive practices under the NDIS
The NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 name 5 regulated restrictive practices. Here is each one in plain words.
Seclusion
Confining a person alone in a room or space they cannot freely leave. An example is a locked bedroom.
Chemical restraint
Using medicine mainly to change how a person behaves, and not to treat a diagnosed condition, such as medicine given to settle distress.
Mechanical restraint
Using a device to limit a person's movement, mainly to change their behaviour. An example is a strap that keeps someone seated.
Physical restraint
Using physical force to limit a person's movement, mainly to change their behaviour. An example is a physical hold.
Environmental restraint
Limiting a person's free access to parts of their home or to items. An example is a locked pantry or gate.
When can a regulated practice be used?
The NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 set strict conditions. A regulated restrictive practice must be:
- Used only as a last resort.
- Used only to prevent serious harm to anyone.
- The least restrictive option that keeps everyone safe.
- Used for the shortest time possible.
- Written into a current Behaviour Support Plan.
- In proportion to the risk of harm.
Does a practice need authorisation in NSW?
Often, yes. A regulated restrictive practice may need authorisation under state rules, including in NSW, before it is used.
We do not authorise restrictive practices. Our role is to write the Behaviour Support Plan and work to reduce each practice over time.
We can explain how authorisation fits with the plan, so you know what to expect at each step.
What must be reported to the NDIS Commission?
Each use of a regulated restrictive practice is reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This keeps a clear record of how often it happens.
Using one without authorisation, or outside a plan, is an unauthorised use. Under the Commission's rules, it is a reportable incident and must be notified within 5 business days.
What questions can families ask?
You can ask questions about any practice used with someone you care for. These are a good place to start:
- Why is this practice in place?
- Is it written into a current Behaviour Support Plan?
- Has it been authorised where that is required?
- What is the plan to reduce it?
- How often is the plan reviewed?
- Can I see a copy of the plan?
What reducing restrictive practices aims to do
Every plan starts with the person, their safety and their rights. In our work, we aim to:
- Help people with disability live with more independence and dignity.
- Support each person's wellbeing and quality of life.
- Reduce restrictive practices and, where possible, remove them over time.
- Use Positive Behaviour Support, an approach backed by research.
- Write practical Behaviour Support Plans the whole team can follow.
- Teach families, carers and support workers to respond calmly.
How we work to reduce restrictive practices
A Functional Behaviour Assessment shows what the restriction is standing in for. We build skills, adjust the environment and coach the support team, so safer supports can take its place.
We review the Behaviour Support Plan regularly and keep listening to the support team. Each review asks whether a restriction can be used less, or faded out step by step.
Michelle Boyce, one of our Behaviour Support Practitioners, has strong experience reviewing restrictive practices. Our Director, Domenic Barca, has extensive experience with high-risk behaviours.
Make a ReferralWhat happens over the life of a plan
Reduction happens gradually, through a plan that is checked and updated. Here is what to expect.
Read how a Behaviour Support Plan is written →-
Referral and first call
You send a referral and we ring you. We ask about any restrictive practices already in place.
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Functional Behaviour Assessment
We work out what each restriction is standing in for. We talk with the person, their family and support team.
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Interim plan within 1 month
Under NDIS Commission rules, an interim Behaviour Support Plan is due within 1 month when a regulated restrictive practice is used.
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Comprehensive plan within 6 months
The full Behaviour Support Plan is due within 6 months. It sets a clear goal to reduce each restrictive practice.
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Coaching the support team
We show families and support workers the new strategies, so safer supports can take a restriction's place.
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Review at least every 12 months
The plan is reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if things change. Each review asks if a practice can be used less.
Questions about restrictive practices
01. Can a Behaviour Support Plan reduce restrictive practices?
02. Does a restrictive practice need to be authorised?
03. Can a restrictive practice be removed completely?
04. What are your goals as a behaviour support provider?
Other ways we support
Reducing restrictive practices draws on every part of our behaviour support, from assessment to training and review.
Make a ReferralTalk to us about reducing restrictive practices
Send us a referral online or give us a call. We will ring you to hear what is happening and talk through the next steps.
