What's in this template?
This NDIS Behaviour Support Policy template is aligned to the Supplementary Module — Behaviour Support of the NDIS Practice Standards (Version 4, November 2021) and the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018. It provides a comprehensive framework for delivering evidence-based, person-centred behaviour support that improves participant quality of life and reduces and eliminates the use of restrictive practices.
The template covers 14 sections:
- Purpose — commitment to evidence-based, person-centred behaviour support aligned to NDIS Practice Standards, Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules, and state/territory authorisation requirements
- Scope — all participants receiving behaviour support, all participants with behaviour support plans (including plans with restrictive practices), all workers involved in developing, implementing, or monitoring BSPs
- Legislative and Regulatory Framework — NDIS Act 2013, Practice Standards (Supplementary Module), Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules 2018, Code of Conduct, UNCRPD, state/territory authorisation legislation
- Definitions — behaviour of concern, Behaviour Support Plan (BSP), behaviour support practitioner, restrictive practice, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Principles — PBS framework, functional understanding, quality of life focus, restrictive practices as last resort, reduction and elimination goal, participant involvement, qualified practitioners, cultural considerations, universal training
- Behaviour Assessment — functional behaviour assessment, history review, environmental analysis, communication needs, stakeholder input, strengths and preferences, biological factors, cultural and sensory considerations
- Behaviour Support Plans — practitioner capability requirements, person-centred content, proactive and reactive strategies, environmental modifications, restrictive practice conditions, measurable reduction goals, NDIS Commission lodgement
- 7.1 Interim Behaviour Support Plans — circumstances, 6-month maximum, comprehensive BSP replacement
- Implementation — plan-specific worker training, function understanding, documentation, data collection, concern reporting
- Restrictive Practices — five categories defined (seclusion, chemical, mechanical, physical, environmental restraint), conditions for use, proportionality, minimum duration, state/territory authorisation
- Reporting Requirements — BSP lodgement with NDIS Commission, restrictive practice use reporting, unauthorised use as reportable incidents, monthly data analysis, practitioner changes
- Review of Behaviour Support Plans — 12-monthly reviews, effectiveness assessment, reduction progress, stakeholder input, NDIS Commission updates, triggered reviews
- Training — induction training on behaviours of concern, plan-specific training, annual refreshers, practitioner capability framework, training records
- Related Policies — cross-references to Restrictive Practices, Incidents, Complaints, Risk, Participant Rights, HR, Worker Orientation
- Review History — version control and approval
Editable placeholder fields
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NDIS Practice Standards requirement
Supplementary Module — Behaviour Support requires that participants receive behaviour support that is evidence-based, person-centred, and focused on reducing and eliminating restrictive practices. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's quality indicators specify that providers must demonstrate:
- Behaviour support is delivered using a Positive Behaviour Support framework
- Behaviour support plans are developed by qualified behaviour support practitioners
- Plans include proactive strategies that address the function of the behaviour
- Restrictive practices are only used as a last resort, are authorised, and are subject to reduction strategies
- Plans are lodged with the NDIS Commission within required timeframes
- Workers implementing behaviour support plans receive plan-specific training
- Plans are reviewed at least annually for effectiveness and restrictive practice reduction
This supplementary module applies to providers registered to deliver behaviour support or specialist behaviour support services. It also applies to any provider that implements behaviour support plans containing regulated restrictive practices.
During a certification audit, auditors will review behaviour support plans for quality and compliance, check that practitioners meet capability framework requirements, examine restrictive practice data and reduction strategies, and interview participants and workers about behaviour support practices.
How to customise this template
- Download the Word document and fill in all
{{placeholder}}fields with your organisation's details - Identify your state/territory authorisation requirements — add the specific legislation for restrictive practice authorisation in your state or territory
- Confirm practitioner qualifications — ensure your behaviour support practitioners meet the NDIS Commission's capability framework requirements
- Set up NDIS Commission reporting — establish processes for lodging BSPs and reporting restrictive practice use within required timeframes
- Create data collection tools — develop forms or systems for recording and analysing behaviour incidents and restrictive practice use
- Establish review schedules — set up 12-monthly BSP review dates and quarterly restrictive practice data analysis
- Develop worker training materials — create plan-specific training packages that can be tailored for each participant's BSP
- Cross-reference your other policies — update Section 13 with the specific titles of your related policies
Frequently asked questions
Is a behaviour support policy required for all NDIS providers?
No. The Behaviour Support Supplementary Module only applies to providers registered to deliver behaviour support or specialist behaviour support services, and to providers that implement behaviour support plans containing regulated restrictive practices. However, all NDIS providers should have a basic understanding of behaviours of concern and positive behaviour support, as covered in the Core Module.
What is the Positive Behaviour Support framework?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based framework that focuses on understanding the function of behaviour, enhancing quality of life, and developing proactive strategies to prevent behaviours of concern. PBS recognises that all behaviour has a purpose and that effective support addresses the underlying causes rather than just managing the behaviour. The NDIS Commission requires behaviour support to be delivered using this framework.
What qualifications does a behaviour support practitioner need?
Behaviour support practitioners must meet the NDIS Commission's capability framework requirements. The framework has different proficiency levels (core, proficient, advanced) based on the complexity of participants they can support. Generally, practitioners need relevant tertiary qualifications (psychology, social work, occupational therapy, or related fields), specific training in positive behaviour support, and supervised experience. The NDIS Commission maintains a register of behaviour support practitioners.
When must a behaviour support plan be lodged with the NDIS Commission?
Behaviour support plans that include regulated restrictive practices must be lodged with the NDIS Commission within 1 month of completion. Plans that do not include restrictive practices should also be lodged but may have different timeframes. Providers must also report any changes to behaviour support practitioners. The NDIS Commission uses lodged plans to monitor quality and restrictive practice trends across the sector.
What is the difference between an interim and comprehensive behaviour support plan?
An interim BSP is developed when a participant is new to the service and a comprehensive assessment has not been completed, or when there is an immediate risk requiring urgent strategies. An interim plan is valid for a maximum of 6 months and must be replaced by a comprehensive BSP within that period. A comprehensive BSP is based on a full functional behaviour assessment and includes detailed proactive and reactive strategies, environmental modifications, and measurable goals.
How do we track and reduce restrictive practice use?
Track every use of a restrictive practice including date, time, duration, circumstances, and outcome. Compile monthly data to identify trends and patterns. Set measurable reduction targets for each participant. Review BSPs with a specific focus on whether restrictive practices can be reduced or eliminated. Report data to the governing body quarterly. The NDIS Commission expects to see a downward trend in restrictive practice use over time.