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?

Janalli Services provides personalised behaviour support designed to improve quality of life, build independence, and reduce the need for restrictive practices through evidence-based Positive Behaviour Support approaches.

• Person-Centred Behaviour Support
• Functional Behaviour Assessments
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Goal-Focused Strategies

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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.

Yes, for Janalli blogs it’s cleaner not to define each one.

Types of Restrictive Practices

Under the NDIS, several types of restrictive practices are recognised and regulated. These practices are subject to strict oversight and are only considered in specific circumstances.

Types of restrictive practices include:

• Environmental restrictions
• Physical restrictions
• Mechanical restrictions
• Chemical restrictions
• Seclusion

The use of any restrictive practice must be carefully 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.

Key principles include:

• Used as a last resort
• Applied only when necessary to reduce serious risk
• Subject to legal and regulatory requirements
• Supported by appropriate documentation and oversight
• Regularly reviewed to assess ongoing need
• Focused on reducing and eliminating use over time

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.

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.

Supporting Participant Rights and Independence

Positive Behaviour Support is built on the principle that every participant has the right to dignity, respect, choice, and control over their life. The goal is to provide supports that promote independence while helping participants engage more confidently in everyday activities.

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.

Behaviour Support Guidance from Matthew Kyte

Matthew Kyte, Founder of Janalli Services and an experienced Behaviour Support Practitioner, works with participants and families to develop practical, person-centred strategies that promote positive outcomes and improved quality of life.

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

Matthew provides support across Logan, Brisbane South, Beaudesert, Northern Gold Coast, and Australia-wide through telehealth, helping participants access personalised behaviour support services in Logan and surrounding areas.

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Book Online Counselling Sessions

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 Positive Behaviour Support?

Janalli Services provides individualised Behaviour Support designed to improve quality of life, build independence, and support meaningful participant outcomes. Through Functional Behaviour Assessments, Behaviour Support Plans, and person-centred strategies, we help participants work towards their goals in a supportive and respectful way.

Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself, a family member, or someone you support, our team can help develop practical strategies tailored to individual needs.

Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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