Behaviour Support Plans - A Comprehensive Overview

Behaviour Support Plans: A Comprehensive Overview for NDIS Participants and Their Support Networks

Welcome to DisabilityInsights, your trusted source for navigating the complexities of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Today, we're diving deep into a crucial aspect of support for many NDIS Participants: Behaviour Support Plans. These plans are designed to improve a Participant's quality of life, promote positive behaviour, and ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. See our complete What Is A Positive Behaviour Support Plan guide for an introductory understanding.

A Behaviour Support Plan isn't just a document; it's a roadmap. It's created collaboratively with the Participant, their family, Support Workers, and other relevant individuals to understand the reasons behind specific behaviours and develop strategies to address them effectively. The NDIS Commission has clearly defined expectations regarding the development of these plans, emphasizing the importance of individual needs and dignity.

Key NDIS Considerations for Behaviour Support Plans

Navigating the NDIS requirements for Behaviour Support Plans can feel overwhelming. Let's break down the key considerations:

• Purpose and Focus: The overarching goal of a Behaviour Support Plan is to enhance a Participant's overall well-being. This is achieved by understanding the triggers and functions of specific behaviours and then developing positive and proactive strategies. It's not about simply suppressing behaviours, but about addressing the underlying needs and helping the Participant develop alternative, more adaptive responses.

• Collaboration is Key: The NDIS emphasizes a collaborative approach. The Participant should be at the centre of the process, and their voice should be heard and respected. Family members, Support Workers, therapists, and other relevant professionals all contribute their expertise to create a comprehensive and effective plan.

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): Behaviour Support Plans should be rooted in the principles of Positive Behaviour Support. PBS focuses on understanding the function of a behaviour – what need is it meeting for the Participant? – and then teaching new skills and making environmental adjustments to make the behaviour unnecessary or less likely to occur.

• Two Types of Plans: Interim and Comprehensive: Depending on the situation, either an Interim or a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan may be required.

  • Interim Plan: This is a shorter, less detailed plan, often put in place quickly to address immediate safety concerns. It outlines basic strategies to manage risky situations. Its main function is to protect the Participant and others while a more thorough assessment is being conducted.
  • Comprehensive Plan: This plan is more in-depth and built upon a thorough behaviour support assessment, which includes a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA). The FBA aims to understand the "why" behind the behaviour – what triggers it, what purpose does it serve for the individual, and what maintains it. The Comprehensive Plan builds on the Interim Plan, adding further detail.

• Restrictive Practices: A regulated restrictive practice is any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of a person with disability. Some Behaviour Support Plans may include what are known as "regulated restrictive practices." These are interventions that limit a Participant's freedom or rights. These practices are only permitted under very specific circumstances, and strict safeguards are in place. The NDIS Commission has developed templates for both Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans that include regulated restrictive practices protocols to promote the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices.

• NDIS Commission Oversight: If a Behaviour Support Plan includes regulated restrictive practices, it must be submitted to the NDIS Commission for approval. This ensures accountability and protects the rights of the Participant. You will need to log in to the NDIS Commission Portal to submit the plan, including relevant attachments such as the Functional Behaviour Assessment.

• Resources and Templates: The NDIS Commission offers templates that can be used to develop Behaviour Support Plans. While use of these templates isn't mandatory, they provide a helpful framework and ensure compliance with NDIS requirements. You can also use your own template or one required by your state or territory's restrictive practice authorisation body. These guides and checklists outline good practice and the conditions of registration that apply when developing behaviour support plans.

Practical Steps for Developing a Behaviour Support Plan

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of developing a Behaviour Support Plan:

1. Identify the Need: Recognise that a Participant is exhibiting behaviours that are impacting their quality of life or posing a risk to themselves or others.

2. Engage a Qualified Professional: Seek out a qualified behaviour support practitioner. These professionals have the expertise to conduct thorough assessments and develop effective plans. They should have experience working within the NDIS framework.

3. Conduct a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA): This is a crucial step in understanding the "why" behind the behaviour. The FBA involves gathering information from various sources (observations, interviews, records) to identify the triggers, functions, and maintaining factors of the behaviour. See the Compendium of resources for positive behaviour support for comprehensive list of tools. Also see, Policy guidance: Behaviour support assessment, including functional behaviour assessment.

4. Develop the Plan (Collaboratively): Based on the FBA, work collaboratively with the Participant and their support network to develop the Behaviour Support Plan. This should include:

   • Clear goals: What do you hope to achieve with the plan?
   • Antecedent strategies: What can be done to prevent the behaviour from occurring in the first place?
   • Teaching strategies: What new skills can the Participant learn to replace the behaviour?
   • Consequence strategies: How will you respond when the behaviour does occur? Focus on positive reinforcement and minimizing harm.
   • Data collection: How will you track the effectiveness of the plan?

5. Implement the Plan: Ensure that all Support Workers and relevant individuals are trained on the plan and understand their roles and responsibilities.

6. Monitor and Review: Regularly monitor the plan's effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. The plan should be a living document that evolves as the Participant's needs change. Regular reviews should involve all key stakeholders.

7. Seek Expert Advice: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from the NDIS Commission or other qualified professionals if you have questions or concerns.

Conclusion

Behaviour Support Plans are essential tools for promoting the well-being and safety of NDIS Participants who exhibit behaviours of concern. By understanding the NDIS requirements, adopting a collaborative approach, and focusing on positive behaviour support strategies, you can help Participants achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives. Remember to prioritize the Participant's voice and rights throughout the process, and don't hesitate to seek expert guidance when needed. Navigating the NDIS can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, you can empower Participants to thrive.