Understanding Restrictive Practices Under the NDIS
Restrictive practices are sometimes included in Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) to manage behaviours of concern, but they are carefully regulated under the NDIS.
What Are Restrictive Practices?
Restrictive practices involve limiting a person’s freedom of movement or rights in some way to prevent harm. There are five types of regulated restrictive practices under the NDIS:
Seclusion: Confining a person in a space where they cannot leave.
Chemical Restraint: Using medication to influence behaviour.
Mechanical Restraint: Using devices to restrict movement.
Physical Restraint: Using physical force to prevent movement.
Environmental Restraint: Restricting access to certain environments.
Restrictive practices can only be used when absolutely necessary, and they must be part of a behaviour support plan. Importantly, they should be the last resort, used only when other strategies have not worked and the risk of harm is high.
Strict Regulation and Safeguards
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission monitors and regulates the use of restrictive practices to ensure they are used ethically and legally. All providers using these practices must be registered, and the use of restrictive practices must be authorised in accordance with state or territory laws.
In future posts, we’ll discuss how providers and families work together to reduce and eliminate these practices over time.
Written By: Ben Dowton
With over 5 years of experience, Ben Dowton has worked extensively with individuals of all ages who have complex behavioural needs.
He is highly skilled in creating and implementing positive behaviour support plans that promote individual growth and development while also reducing challenging behaviours. Ben is passionate about providing person-centred care and ensuring that each individual's unique needs are met with empathy and respect.