How to Advocate for Adequate Complex Behaviour Support in Your NDIS Plan

Advocating for Adequate Complex Behaviour Support in Your NDIS Plan

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially when advocating for complex and specialized supports. This is particularly true when a Participant requires complex behaviour support. Ensuring your Plan adequately addresses these needs is crucial for improved quality of life, reduced risk of harm, and greater independence.

This blog post aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical steps necessary to effectively advocate for sufficient complex behaviour support funding within your NDIS Plan. It's essential to remember that every Participant's situation is unique, and this information should be used as a guide to tailor your advocacy efforts accordingly. See our complete NDIS Complex Behaviour Support guide for more detailed information.

Key NDIS Considerations for Complex Behaviour Support

Understanding how the NDIS approaches complex behaviour support is paramount to successful advocacy. Here are several key considerations:

• Definition of Complex Behaviour Support: The NDIS defines complex behaviour support as strategies designed to address challenging behaviours that significantly impact a Participant's quality of life and/or pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. This goes beyond general behaviour management and requires specialised expertise. It often involves identifying triggers, understanding the function of the behaviour, and developing individualized strategies to promote positive behaviour change.

• Core Supports vs. Capacity Building Supports: Within your NDIS Plan, behaviour support funding can fall under both Core Supports and Capacity Building Supports. Core Supports might fund the direct assistance of a Support Worker trained in implementing behaviour support strategies. Capacity Building Supports, specifically Improved Relationships, are crucial for funding a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner to develop and implement a behaviour support plan.

• The Importance of a Positive Behaviour Support Plan: A comprehensive and evidence-based positive behaviour support plan is the cornerstone of any effective strategy. This plan should be developed by a qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner and should include:

  • A thorough assessment of the Participant's behaviour, including triggers, functions, and patterns.
  • Individualized strategies for preventing challenging behaviours.
  • Teaching strategies to help the Participant learn new skills and behaviours.
  • Reactive strategies to manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively.
  • Clear data collection methods to track progress and make adjustments to the plan.

• Registered vs. Unregistered Providers: While the NDIS allows Participants to choose unregistered providers for some supports, it's highly recommended to utilize registered Behaviour Support Practitioners. Registered providers are required to meet specific quality and safeguarding standards, ensuring a higher level of expertise and accountability. They also undergo NDIS Commission checks, providing further peace of mind.

• Restrictive Practices Authorization: If the positive behaviour support plan includes any restrictive practices (strategies that limit a person's rights or freedom of movement), these must be justified, proportionate, and implemented with the utmost safeguards. Restrictive practices require specific authorization processes, often involving independent review and ongoing monitoring. The NDIS Commission provides guidelines on the use of restrictive practices.

• The Role of the NDIS Commission: The NDIS Commission is the independent regulator of the NDIS. They are responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services, including behaviour support. They have the power to investigate complaints and take action against providers who fail to meet their obligations.

Practical Steps to Advocate for Adequate Funding

Now, let's explore the practical steps you can take to advocate for adequate complex behaviour support in your NDIS Plan:

1. Gather Comprehensive Evidence: Compile all relevant documentation, including:

   • Medical reports from doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists.
   • Psychological assessments and behaviour assessments.
   • Incident reports detailing challenging behaviours.
   • Statements from Support Workers, family members, and other relevant individuals describing the impact of the Participant's behaviour.
   • Existing behaviour support plans (if any).
   • A clear outline of the goals you hope to achieve through behaviour support.

2. Engage a Qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner (BSP) Early: Ideally, involve a BSP before your NDIS Plan review. They can:

   • Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Participant's needs.
   • Develop a draft behaviour support plan outlining the recommended supports and strategies.
   • Provide a detailed cost estimate for implementing the plan.
   • Write a report outlining the rationale for the recommended supports.

3. Clearly Articulate the Participant's Needs: When communicating with your NDIS Planner, be clear and specific about the Participant's needs. Focus on:

   • The impact of the challenging behaviours on the Participant's quality of life, independence, and safety.
   • The goals you hope to achieve through behaviour support.
   • The specific supports and strategies that are needed to achieve those goals.
   • The risks associated with not having adequate behaviour support in place.

4. Understand and Request Relevant Support Categories: Advocate for appropriate funding within the following categories:

   • Core Supports:
     • Assistance with Daily Life: To fund Support Workers to implement behaviour support strategies in daily routines.
     • Transport: To enable access to behaviour support appointments and activities.
   • Capacity Building Supports (Improved Daily Living):
     • Therapeutic Supports: To fund the Behaviour Support Practitioner to develop and implement the positive behaviour support plan, provide training to Support Workers and family, and monitor the plan's effectiveness. Specifically request funding under Improved Relationships within Therapeutic Supports.
     • A Comprehensive Guide to Support Coordination: For assistance in navigating the NDIS system and coordinating behaviour support services. (Level 2 or 3 Support Coordination might be necessary for complex situations.)

5. Be Prepared to Justify Your Request: The NDIS Planner may ask questions about the rationale for the requested supports. Be prepared to explain:

   • Why the recommended supports are necessary.
   • How the supports will help the Participant achieve their goals.
   • The potential consequences of not having these supports in place.
   • Refer to the evidence you have gathered and the expertise of the Behaviour Support Practitioner.

6. Request a Plan Review if Necessary: If you are not satisfied with the level of funding allocated for complex behaviour support in your NDIS Plan, you have the right to request a plan review. Be prepared to provide additional evidence and justification for your request.

7. Consider External Advocacy: If you are struggling to navigate the NDIS system on your own, consider seeking assistance from an independent advocate. Disability advocacy organizations can provide information, advice, and representation to help you achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Advocating for adequate complex behaviour support in your NDIS Plan requires preparation, persistence, and a thorough understanding of the NDIS framework. By gathering comprehensive evidence, engaging qualified professionals, and clearly articulating the Participant's needs, you can significantly increase your chances of securing the funding necessary to improve their quality of life and promote their independence. Remember, you are the expert on the Participant's needs, and your voice matters. Don't hesitate to advocate strongly for the supports they deserve.