Understanding Restrictive Practices and Positive Behaviour Support
Participant rights, dignity, and quality of life are central to the NDIS. When discussing behaviour support, one topic that often raises questions is restrictive practices. Understanding what restrictive practices are, when they may be used, and how they are regulated can help participants, families, and support networks make informed decisions. The focus of modern Positive Behaviour Support is not on increasing restrictive practices but on reducing their use over time through person-centred strategies, skill development, and improved support approaches.
Need Behaviour Support That Focuses on Positive Outcomes?
Under the NDIS, restrictive practices are highly regulated interventions that may only be used in limited circumstances to reduce the risk of harm. They must always be supported by a Positive Behaviour Support framework and used as the least restrictive option while protecting the participant’s dignity, rights and quality of life.
- Person-Centred Behaviour Support
- Functional Behaviour Assessments
- Behaviour Support Plans
- Goal-Focused Strategies
You can confirm our official registration on the 👉 NDIS Commission website
What Are Restrictive Practices?
Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict a person’s rights or freedom of movement with the aim of preventing harm to themselves or others. Within the NDIS, their use is heavily regulated and subject to strict oversight. The focus is always on participant wellbeing, safety, and quality of life while working towards reducing the need for restrictive practices wherever possible. Participants receiving NDIS Behaviour Support services may work with a Behaviour Support Practitioner to develop strategies that promote positive outcomes and minimise restrictive interventions.
The Five Types of Regulated Restrictive Practices
The NDIS regulates five different restrictive practices. Each type has strict legal requirements and should only be used when authorised and included in an appropriate Behaviour Support Plan.
These include:
- Environmental restraint
- Physical restraint
- Mechanical restraint
- Chemical restraint
- Seclusion
Every regulated restrictive practice must be regularly reviewed with the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating its use wherever possible.refully considered, documented, monitored, and reviewed to ensure participant rights, safety, and wellbeing remain the priority.
When Can Restrictive Practices Be Used?
Restrictive practices are only considered in situations where there is a serious risk of harm and other less restrictive options have been explored or are not effective.
- Only as a last resort
- To prevent serious risk of harm
- After positive behaviour strategies have been considered
- When included in a Behaviour Support Plan
- Following State or Territory authorisation requirements where required
- Subject to ongoing monitoring and review
- With the aim of reducing and eliminating their future use
The NDIS places a strong emphasis on safeguarding participant rights while promoting approaches that support greater independence, choice, and quality of life.
How Positive Behaviour Support Helps Reduce Restrictive Practices?
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours and developing proactive strategies that improve quality of life while reducing the need for restrictive practices.
This may involve:
- Understanding behaviour triggers
- Conducting a Functional Behaviour Assessment
- Developing proactive support strategies
- Building communication and coping skills
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Creating supportive environments
- Strengthening participant independence
Many Behaviour Support Practitioners use a Functional Behaviour Assessment to better understand individual needs and develop strategies that promote positive, long-term outcomes.
Why Functional Behaviour Assessment Is Important
Before recommending strategies, Behaviour Support Practitioners often complete a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). This assessment helps identify why behaviours occur, what environmental factors contribute to them, and which positive strategies are likely to reduce behaviours of concern without relying on restrictive practices.
Understanding the function of behaviour allows supports to be personalised and focused on improving quality of life rather than simply managing behaviour. Some participants may also benefit from comprehensive clinical assessments where complex health conditions, continence needs, or high-intensity supports are involved.
The Role of a Behaviour Support Plan
A Behaviour Support Plan provides a structured approach to supporting participants while working towards reducing restrictive practices over time. It helps ensure that supports are consistent, person-centred, and focused on positive outcomes.
A Behaviour Support Plan may include:
- Identifying potential risks
- Understanding support needs
- Developing proactive support strategies
- Setting participant-centred goals
- Monitoring progress and outcomes
- Reviewing strategies regularly
- Supporting the reduction of restrictive practices
A well-developed Behaviour Support Plan helps guide supports that promote safety, independence, and improved quality of life.
Participant Rights Under the NDIS
Participants have the right to receive supports that respect their dignity, independence and human rights.
Restrictive practices should never be used for convenience or punishment. Their purpose is to reduce immediate risk while Positive Behaviour Support strategies work towards safer long-term outcomes and greater independence.
Supporting Participant Rights and Independence
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern and teaching practical skills that reduce future risks. This may include communication strategies, emotional regulation, environmental changes and personalised supports that improve quality of life while reducing reliance on restrictive practices.
Positive outcomes may include:
- Greater choice and control
- Increased independence
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Enhanced community participation
- Stronger social connections
- Improved quality of life
- Meaningful engagement in everyday activities
Many participants also benefit from community participation supports that encourage social inclusion, skill development, and greater involvement in community life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restrictive practices can be a complex topic for participants, families, and support networks. Below are answers to some common questions about restrictive practices and Positive Behaviour Support.
1. What are restrictive practices?
Restrictive practices are interventions that restrict a person’s rights or freedom of movement and are regulated under the NDIS.
2. Are restrictive practices allowed under the NDIS?
Yes, but only in specific circumstances and under strict legal, regulatory, and safeguarding requirements.
3. Who approves restrictive practices?
Approval requirements vary depending on state and territory regulations. Restrictive practices must be appropriately authorised, documented, and monitored.
4. Can restrictive practices be reduced over time?
Yes. Positive Behaviour Support aims to reduce and, where possible, eliminate restrictive practices by focusing on proactive and person-centred strategies.
5. How does Positive Behaviour Support help?
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding individual needs, identifying triggers, building skills, and developing strategies that improve quality of life while reducing reliance on restrictive practices.
6. Who approves restrictive practices under the NDIS?
Regulated restrictive practices require appropriate authorisation in accordance with State or Territory legislation and must be included within a Behaviour Support Plan developed by a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner.
7. Can restrictive practices be completely eliminated?
The long-term goal of Positive Behaviour Support is to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate the need for restrictive practices by addressing the underlying causes of behaviours of concern.
Supporting Participants Across Logan & Surrounding Areas
Matthew Kyte works with participants, families and support teams to develop evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support strategies that improve quality of life while reducing reliance on restrictive practices. Janalli Services supports participants throughout Logan Central, Springwood, Browns Plains, Beenleigh, Woodridge, Marsden, Mount Warren Park and Yarrabilba, with Australia-wide telehealth available where appropriate.
Matthew’s approach focuses on:
- Understanding individual strengths and support needs
- Developing proactive behaviour support strategies
- Supporting participant choice and independence
- Working collaboratively with families and support networks
- Reducing reliance on restrictive practices where possible
- Creating meaningful, goal-focused outcomes
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Flexible Behaviour Support Appointments
Janalli supports both NDIS participants and private self-funded clients through flexible online counselling and telehealth support tailored to emotional wellbeing, communication, confidence, and daily life support needs. Participants and families can access counselling sessions from comfortable and familiar environments while maintaining supportive and consistent communication through telehealth services. Flexible telehealth counselling can help participants maintain more consistent emotional wellbeing and communication support regardless of location. You can easily book your sessions online, choose appointment times that suit your schedule, and manage your own support journey through our online booking system.
Looking for Personalised Behaviour Support?
Whether you’re seeking guidance around behaviours of concern, Positive Behaviour Support or Behaviour Support Plans, Janalli Services provides personalised, participant-centred supports focused on building independence, improving quality of life and reducing restrictive practices wherever possible.
Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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