Positive Behaviour Support looks beyond the behaviour itself. It seeks to understand what a person may be communicating, what is happening around them and what changes could improve safety, wellbeing, participation and quality of life.
A person-centred and rights-based approach
Good behaviour support involves the participant and people they choose. It considers communication, health, trauma, sensory needs, relationships, routines, culture and the environment. Strategies should build skills and make everyday life work better—not simply stop behaviour.
Depending on the service, registration and practitioner capacity, positive behaviour support may involve:
- getting to know the participant and their goals
- functional behaviour assessment and evidence gathering
- developing an interim or comprehensive behaviour support plan
- teaching proactive strategies and communication supports
- training the people who implement the plan
- monitoring outcomes and reviewing strategies with the participant.
Restrictive practices and safeguards
A restrictive practice limits a person’s rights or freedom of movement. It must never be used for convenience or punishment. Where a regulated restrictive practice is proposed or used, strict authorisation, behaviour support planning, reporting and review requirements apply. The goal is to reduce and eliminate its use wherever possible.
Specialist behaviour support
Assessment and behaviour support plan development must be delivered by an appropriately registered provider and suitable behaviour support practitioner.
Plan implementation
Workers who implement a plan need clear guidance, training, incident processes and an understanding of the participant’s rights and communication.
Common questions
Is behaviour support about controlling a person?
No. Positive behaviour support should protect rights, understand unmet needs and improve quality of life. The participant should be involved and supported to communicate preferences.
What if there is immediate danger?
Follow the participant’s current emergency or crisis plan. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). A website enquiry is not monitored as an emergency response channel.
This service is subject to the NDIS Commission behaviour support and restrictive practice requirements, relevant state or territory authorisation and provider registration.