Under the NDIS, restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person’s rights or freedom of movement in order to prevent harm to themselves or others. They can only be used as a last resort, must be clearly documented and require oversight through an approved Positive Behaviour Support Plan.
Navigating restrictive practices under the NDIS can be complex. There are strict rules set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to protect the rights, safety and dignity of people living with disability. Outcomes Connect acts as an expert guide through this process, helping families, providers and support teams clearly understand when NDIS restrictive practices may be considered, what safeguards are required and how to work towards their reduction and elimination.
Regulated restrictive practices examples
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission strictly regulates five specific types of restrictive practices to ensure that participants’ human rights, safety and wellbeing are protected. Each of these practices is tightly regulated and must be addressed within a Positive Behaviour Support framework. Common NDIS restrictive practices and compliance include the following:
Chemical Restraint
Using medication primarily to control or influence a person’s behaviour, rather than to treat a diagnosed medical condition. This type of restraint requires strict oversight and clear clinical justification.
Mechanical Restraint
Using a device to restrict or prevent a person’s movement to manage behaviour. Examples may include splints, straps or bodysuits when they are used for behavioural control rather than therapeutic purposes.
Physical Restraint
Using physical force to prevent, restrict or subdue the movement of a person’s body. This may involve holding or immobilising a person to stop behaviour that poses an immediate risk of harm.
Environmental Restraint
Restricting a person’s free access to all or parts of their environment. This can include locking cupboards, doors, fences or gates to limit access to items or areas.
Seclusion
The solitary confinement of a person in a room or physical space at any time, where they are prevented from leaving voluntarily. Seclusion is considered one of the most restrictive practices and is subject to the highest level of scrutiny.
The Outcomes Connect Australia approach
Our firm belief is that the use of restrictive practices is never the goal. Our work focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for behaviours of concern and putting proactive, evidence-based strategies in place.
Through well-designed Positive Behaviour Support Plans and strategies, we help build skills, adjust environments and strengthen supports so restrictive practices become unnecessary. The purpose of Positive Behaviour Support is to actively reduce and eliminate restrictive practices over time, while improving a person’s quality of life and independence.
Why do you need a specialist Behaviour Support Provider?
Under the NDIS, only registered specialist behaviour support providers are authorised to develop behaviour support plans that include regulated restrictive practices. This requirement exists to protect participants’ rights, ensuring restrictive practices are used ethically, safely and only as a last resort.
Behaviour Support Practitioners have training in assessment, behaviour analysis and NDIS compliance. They understand the legal and reporting obligations set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They know how to build strategies that focus on reducing and eliminating restrictive practices over time. Working with accredited Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners ensures plans are evidence-based, person-centred and compliant.
Navigating complex cases
When behaviour support involves complexity or the potential use of restrictive practices for behaviours of concern, experience, clinical judgement and compliance matter. Here’s what you can expect when working with Outcomes Connect:
An expert clinical panel
At Outcomes Connect, any Behaviour Support Plan that includes restrictive practices is reviewed by an expert internal panel to ensure robust clinical reasoning and strong safeguards for participants.
NDIS compliance
We understand the requirements of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, ensuring all assessments, plans and reporting meet regulatory standards.
Ethical decision-making
Restrictive practices are approached as a last resort. Our focus remains on safety, dignity and reducing restrictions through person-centred, proactive, skill-building strategies.
Evidence-based plans
Our behaviour support plans are grounded in data, clear clinical reasoning and best-practice frameworks, providing confidence for families, providers and support teams.
Collaborative support
We work closely with everyone involved to ensure strategies are practical, understood and consistently applied across environments.
Get the right support from an experienced team
If you would like to learn more about our PBS services or discuss how our practitioners can support you or someone you care for, speak to our team today.