An NDIS interim behaviour support plan is a short-term strategy designed to manage urgent behaviours of concern and immediate safety needs for individuals with disability. It provides clear, practical steps to support the person while a more detailed, long-term plan is being developed. This plan helps keep everyone safe and addresses critical behavioural challenges quickly.
We use these plans to respond effectively in situations where immediate support is necessary. Interim behaviour support plans include general preventative and responsive strategies, ensuring a consistent approach to managing behaviours while ongoing assessments take place. They are created by qualified behaviour support practitioners under the NDIS framework.
These plans also guide the safe use of regulated practices when required, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Understanding how interim plans work gives us confidence in delivering timely and appropriate behavioural support that protects the well-being of individuals and those around them.
Key Takeaways
- Interim behaviour support plans address urgent behavioural needs in the short term.
- They include strategies to maintain safety and support while longer plans are made.
- Plans follow NDIS guidelines to ensure safe and ethical behaviour support.
Understanding Interim Behaviour Support Plans
Interim behaviour support plans provide immediate, practical responses to manage behaviours of concern while we work towards a more comprehensive strategy. These plans focus on safety and risk reduction, bridging gaps in support during urgent or evolving situations affecting participants.
Definition and Purpose
An interim behaviour support plan (BSP) is a short-term document designed to quickly address behaviour needs. It aims to ensure the safety of the participant and those around them by outlining immediate strategies that reduce harmful behaviour and lower risks.
The plan is created by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner and is grounded in evidence-informed practice. It acts as a temporary measure to manage pressing behaviour challenges, offering clear steps for carers and support workers to follow until a full, comprehensive behaviour support plan can be developed.
When Interim Behaviour Support Plans Are Required
We implement interim behaviour support plans when there is an immediate need for behaviour management, especially in cases where behaviours of concern pose safety risks. These situations often arise when a new behaviour support plan is needed but cannot be finalised quickly due to complex assessments or procedural delays.
Interim plans are also critical when restrictive practices might be involved, ensuring that such practices are only applied appropriately and with clear guidelines. This immediate support helps prevent harm to the participant and others while we gather more detailed information to tailor a longer-term plan.
Key Differences Between Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
|
Aspect |
Interim Behaviour Support Plan | Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan |
|
Duration |
Short-term, temporary |
Long-term, ongoing |
|
Detail Level |
Focus on immediate risks and basic interventions |
Detailed assessment with tailored behaviour strategies |
|
Purpose |
Immediate safety and risk reduction |
Promote positive behaviours and sustained improvement |
| Development Timeframe |
Developed quickly to address urgent needs |
Requires thorough assessment and stakeholder input |
The interim BSP focuses on rapid response and risk minimisation. In contrast, a comprehensive BSP is a detailed, personalised plan that addresses underlying causes and supports positive behaviour change over time.
How Interim Behaviour Support Plans Work
Interim Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) focus on quickly addressing immediate behaviour support needs. They provide clear steps for managing risks and promoting safety while longer-term strategies are developed. These plans require collaboration between behaviour support practitioners, the participant, and implementing providers.
Development Process
We begin the development of an interim BSP by conducting a targeted assessment of the participant’s current behaviours and risks. This process is typically faster than a comprehensive plan but still thorough enough to identify immediate safety concerns and triggers.
The plan outlines specific strategies to reduce harm and provide support tailored to the participant’s unique needs. It includes clear goals, risk management measures, and practical interventions that can be applied right away.
We review relevant medical, psychological, and environmental information. Using this, we draft a concise document that serves as a bridge to a more detailed plan once time and resources allow.
Role of Behaviour Support Practitioners
NDIS behaviour support practitioners play a central role in creating and monitoring interim BSPs. They assess behaviours of concern, identify underlying causes, and design strategies focused on safety and functional improvements.
Practitioners use evidence-based approaches aligned with the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support framework. They work closely with participants, families, and support teams to ensure strategies are realistic and person-centred.
In addition to plan development, behaviour support practitioners provide ongoing guidance to support networks. They help adjust interventions as needed and prepare for transition to comprehensive behaviour support plans.
Implementing Provider Responsibilities
Implementing providers are responsible for putting the interim BSP into practice reliably and safely. This includes training staff on the specific strategies, monitoring behaviour changes, and reporting any issues promptly.
Providers must ensure the safety of the participant and others, using only authorised and agreed-upon interventions. They document incidents, communicate regularly with behaviour support practitioners, and support participant dignity.
Compliance with NDIS rules on restrictive practices is critical during implementation. Providers must also help gather feedback to inform any updates or a move to a comprehensive plan later.
Assessment and Implementation
To develop an effective interim behaviour support plan, we focus on carefully examining the person’s behaviour and using evidence-informed strategies to both prevent challenging behaviours and respond safely when they occur. Our goal is to reduce risks while supporting quality of life.
Behaviour Assessment and Functional Behaviour Assessment
We begin with a thorough behaviour assessment that includes gathering information from family, support workers, and others involved in the person’s life. Central to this is the Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA), which helps us understand the purpose behind specific behaviours by identifying triggers, consequences, and environmental factors.
The FBA allows us to pinpoint why behaviours happen rather than just addressing symptoms. This deeper understanding guides us in designing tailored support strategies that reduce challenging behaviour and promote positive alternatives. Only qualified NDIS behaviour support practitioners complete these assessments to ensure compliance and quality.
Proactive and Reactive Strategies
Our interim behaviour support plans emphasise a balance between proactive and reactive strategies. Proactive strategies aim to prevent challenging behaviours before they start. Examples include modifying environments, teaching new skills, or adjusting routines. These approaches are evidence-based and improve the person’s overall quality of life.
Reactive strategies are in place for safely managing behaviours if they do occur. These include clear, agreed-upon responses focusing on de-escalation and harm reduction. Documenting reactive strategies ensures that everyone involved knows how to respond consistently and safely while protecting the well-being of all.
Regulated Restrictive Practices
We work within a framework that strictly controls the use of regulated restrictive practices to protect the rights and safety of NDIS participants. These practices are carefully defined and monitored, requiring specific authorisation, consent, and thorough reporting to ensure responsible use.
Types of Regulated Restrictive Practices
Regulated restrictive practices include seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, and psychological restraint. Each type limits a participant’s freedom or control in distinct ways. For example, seclusion involves isolating a person in a space they cannot leave, while chemical restraint uses medication to control behaviour rather than treat a medical condition.
These practices are only permitted when necessary and must always be documented in a behaviour support plan. Some practices, however, are explicitly prohibited by law in certain states or territories and can never be justified.
Authorisation and Consent Requirements
Before implementing any regulated restrictive practice, we must obtain authorisation from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This process ensures that the practice is lawful, justified, and the least restrictive option available.
Consent from the participant or their guardian is mandatory. This consent must be informed, voluntary, and documented clearly. Without proper authorisation and consent, use of restrictive practices is a breach of the NDIS Rules and may lead to disciplinary action against providers.
Reporting and Monitoring
All use of regulated restrictive practices must be promptly reported to the NDIS Commission as a reportable incident. This includes incidents where such practices are used or attempted without appropriate approval.
We are responsible for maintaining detailed records and ensuring behaviour support plans are updated regularly, at least every 12 months or sooner if the participant’s circumstances change. The NDIS Commission monitors compliance through audits, education, and enforcement to protect participant wellbeing.
For more detailed guidance, visit the NDIS Behaviour Support and Restrictive Practices rules.
Supporting Individuals with Behaviours of Concern
We focus on understanding specific behaviours that may cause harm or disruption to the individual or others. Our goal is to use practical and respectful strategies that minimise risk and promote safety.
Identifying Behaviours of Concern
Behaviours of concern are actions that could lead to injury, emotional distress, or significant disruption. These behaviours may include aggression, self-injury, property damage, or withdrawal. We must observe patterns and triggers to identify what causes these behaviours.
We work closely with support workers and the individual to collect information from daily interactions. This helps us recognise warning signs and environmental factors contributing to the behaviour. Timely identification allows us to implement appropriate strategies quickly to prevent escalation and reduce harm.
Positive Behaviour Support Approach
Our approach centres on positive behaviour support (PBS), which combines prevention and response techniques. PBS focuses on teaching new skills and making changes in the environment to better meet the individual’s needs.
We prioritise understanding why the behaviour occurs rather than simply reacting to it. This involves assessing communication, physical health, and social settings. Strategies are designed collaboratively with support workers to reinforce positive behaviours while safely managing behaviours of concern.
Key elements include:
- Clear, consistent routines
- Encouraging communication alternatives
- Environment adjustments to lower triggers
- Safe and respectful response plans
This approach respects dignity while aiming to reduce risk and improve quality of life. Using PBS within an interim behaviour support plan ensures immediate and practical guidance to support workers managing behaviours safely.
For more details, see the NDIS guidelines on behaviour support plans.
Compliance and the NDIS Framework
Understanding how interim behaviour support plans fit within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) framework is essential. We must ensure safety, follow regulations, and plan for transitioning to comprehensive behaviour support plans (BSPs) promptly.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Requirements
Interim behaviour support plans are developed according to strict standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. These plans must be created by a registered NDIS provider with a qualified behaviour support practitioner.
The key focus is on reducing risk and protecting both the participant and those around them. Our plans include strategies that are safe, ethical, and aligned with positive behaviour support principles under the NDIS framework.
We also take care to document evidence of how each strategy helps prevent harmful behaviour while respecting the dignity of the person with disability. Regular reviews and updates are mandatory to ensure ongoing compliance.
Failure to meet these quality standards can lead to non-compliance consequences under the national scheme, so we maintain thorough records and clear communication throughout the process. More details can be found on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.
Timeframes and Transitioning to Comprehensive BSPs
Interim behaviour support plans serve as a short-term safety measure and are not intended as a permanent solution. We usually expect these plans to be in place only until a comprehensive BSP can be developed.
The NDIS encourages transitioning to a comprehensive behaviour support plan within a few months. This ensures a detailed assessment and tailored strategies that address all behavioural support needs based on thorough evaluation.
During this transition, we monitor the effectiveness of interim plans and gather relevant information. This helps to inform the comprehensive BSP and supports seamless continuity of care.
Timely transitioning is critical because comprehensive plans incorporate more personalised goals and long-term positive behaviour strategies. This aligns better with the NDIS framework’s focus on quality of life and participant-centred care. A checklist for interim plans can assist in meeting deadlines and requirements here.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will clarify how behaviour support plans are created, what they include, and how long interim plans last. We also address the differences between interim and long-term plans, timing for reviews, and who is qualified to develop these plans.
How is a behaviour support plan developed for NDIS participants?
A behaviour support plan is developed by a registered NDIS behaviour support practitioner. They assess the individual’s needs, risks, and behaviours. The plan is tailored to support positive outcomes while ensuring safety.
What are the key components of a behaviour support plan?
The plan includes strategies to prevent harmful behaviours, supports to address unmet needs, and methods to reduce risks. It aims to improve the quality of life and maintain the person’s dignity throughout.
What is the duration of an interim behaviour support plan under NDIS?
Interim behaviour support plans are short-term and designed to be implemented quickly, often within 30 days. They remain in place until a more comprehensive long-term plan is developed.
How does an interim behaviour support plan differ from a long-term behaviour support plan?
Interim plans focus primarily on immediate safety and risk reduction. Long-term plans are more detailed, addressing broader support needs and sustainable behavioural changes over time.
When should a behaviour support plan be reviewed and updated?
Behaviour support plans should be reviewed regularly, especially if there are changes in behaviour or support needs. Updates occur to ensure the plan remains effective and appropriate.
What are the qualifications of professionals who design NDIS behaviour support plans?
Only NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioners with specialist training in behaviour support can develop these plans. They have expertise in ethical and evidence-based approaches to behaviour management.
For further details, see NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
