Introduction

When a client's behaviours of concern present a risk to safety to themselves or others, a practice/intervention known as a restrictive practice may be needed to keep the individual and/or others from harm. These practices are referred to as restrictive practices because they restrict an individual's rights or freedom of movement. 

The use of restrictive practices for people with disability can present serious human rights breaches and potential harm. 

Hireup is committed to provide support and build systems and processes that uphold the rights, dignity, wellbeing and safety of all individuals. We follow the National Framework for Reducing and Eliminating the Use of Restrictive Practices in the Disability Service Sector (2013).

States and Territories are responsible for determining which practices are prohibited or restricted and/ or reportable. We recognise that restrictive practice may be one part of a broader positive behaviour support approach that is required for a client. As a registered NDIS provider Hireup is required to comply with regulation and legislation about the safe implementation of restrictive practice.  

The decision to use a restrictive practice needs careful consideration, taking into account a person’s human rights and the right to self-determination.  Restrictive practices should be used within a positive behaviour support framework that includes proactive, person-centred and evidence-informed strategies. 

Restrictive Practices

When a restrictive practice is part of a person's Positive Behaviour Support Plan, and approved, it is noted as a regulated restrictive practice. The practice has been approved to be implemented, although support workers must report each use of the restriction. 

An unauthorised restrictive practice when the action has been implemented without authorisation by the relevant state or territory or not in accordance with a behaviour support plan.

Restrictive practices must be reported to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Types of restrictions

Seclusion 

Is keeping a person alone in a room or another physical space, at any time of the day or night, which they are unable to leave of their own free will. 

Chemical restraint 

Is the use of a chemical substance to influence a person's behaviour.  Eg. administering PRN medication when a behaviour or concern escalates and alternative positive strategies have not de-escalated the situation.

Mechanical restraint 

Is when a device is used to prevent, restrict, or subdue a person’s movement to influence their behaviour.  This does not mean the use of devices for therapeutic or non‑behavioural purposes. Eg. putting on a person in an all in one to stop them from undressing.

Physical restraint 

Is when physical force is used to prevent, restrict or subdue movement of a person’s body, or part of their body, to influence their behaviour.  This does not apply to hands‑on techniques used to guide or redirect a person away from potential harm or injury.

Environmental restraints 

Means to restrict a person’s free access to all parts of their environment, including items and activities.  Eg. locking the tv remote in a room that the client cannot access. 

Review and Referral Support

If you have a positive behaviour support plan that includes restrictive practices, we'll contact you to discuss the best approach for managing your support.  

To ensure that Hireup is able to provide quality support for people who require the use of restrictive practices, Hireup’s Behaviour Support team may need to request specific information. 

This could include requesting copies of positive behaviour support plans, restrictive practice authorisations, medication administration forms and any other relevant information. 

We commit to building systems and processes that ensure that Hireup can deliver the safest support to people with restrictive practices in place. 

If you have a positive behaviour support plan that includes restrictive practices, get in touch and we will support you through the process. If you need support finding a clinician, check out the NDIS website on finding a registered provider. 

Reportable Incidents

Unauthorised use of restrictive practices will be reported to the following agencies:

For information about Positive Behaviour Support, you can read our article on Positive Behaviour Support