Understanding restrictive practices under the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially for families and carers who simply want to ensure their loved one is safe, supported, and treated with dignity. Restrictive practices are a complex and tightly regulated area of disability support and for good reason. They involve serious considerations around human rights, safety, and ethical care.
At Liberty Behavioural Services, safeguarding dignity and autonomy is at the core of everything we do. This guide explains what restrictive practices are, why they are used only as a last resort, and how the NDIS ensures they are applied safely, lawfully, and ethically.
What Are Restrictive Practices?
Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person’s rights, movement, or freedoms. They are only allowed under the NDIS in situations where there is an immediate risk to the participant or others, and no other strategy can maintain safety.
Examples of Restrictive Practices
Restrictive practices may include:
- Physical restraint – when a person’s movement is restricted by another person.
- Chemical restraint – when medication is used to influence behaviour, not for a diagnosed medical or psychiatric condition.
- Environmental restraint – restricting access to certain areas or objects, such as locking doors or cupboards.
- Seclusion – confining a person alone in a room or area from which they cannot freely leave.
- Mechanical restraint – using a device to limit movement (e.g., mittens, belts, or straps), except when used for medical purposes.
Each of these practices has significant implications for the person involved and must only be used with proper authorisation, documentation, and monitoring.
The Legal Framework and NDIS Requirements
The use of restrictive practices in disability support is governed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, which sets strict rules to ensure participant safety and respect.
Under this framework:
- Restrictive practices can only be used when authorised by the relevant state or territory authority.
- They must be included in a behaviour support plan written by a Behaviour Support Practitioner.
- Providers must report every use of a restrictive practice to the NDIS Commission.
- The aim must always be to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices over time.
These requirements ensure that restrictive practices are never used casually or without oversight. They exist to protect participants’ rights and ensure their support is delivered ethically and transparently.
Ethical Considerations in the Use of Restrictive Practices
Rights, Consent, and Autonomy
Every person has the right to autonomy, dignity, and informed consent. The use of restrictive practices must never undermine these rights.
When restrictive practices are being considered:
- Participants (and their guardians or nominees, where relevant) must be informed and involved in all decisions.
- Consent and understanding are essential.
- Providers must seek alternatives first and demonstrate that every other option has been attempted.
Respecting the participant’s perspective builds trust and helps ensure that supports remain person-centred and empowering.
Participant-Centred Approaches
An ethical approach means ensuring the participant remains central to every decision. This includes:
- Understanding triggers and unmet needs
- Identifying communication barriers
- Using proactive strategies to reduce distress
- Offering choices wherever possible
- Building skills that promote independence
When participants are included in decisions about their care, they feel safer, more respected, and more supported.
NDIS Commission Standards for Behaviour Support
Compliance and Quality Expectations
The NDIS Commission requires providers to follow strict guidelines when implementing any restrictive practice. This includes:
- Using only evidence-based strategies
- Embedding restrictive practices within a proactive, individualised behaviour support plan
- Demonstrating a clear, documented rationale
- Showing how the provider will work to reduce or remove the practice over time
Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including sanctions or loss of registration for providers. This level of accountability is essential for ensuring safe and ethical practice.
Monitoring and Oversight
Oversight is a critical part of maintaining safety. This includes:
- Regular reviews of behaviour support plans
- Monitoring the impact of any restrictive practice
- Reporting each use to the NDIS Commission
- Independent checks to ensure practices remain necessary and lawful
Effective oversight ensures restrictive practices are used minimally, appropriately, and with utmost care.
Liberty’s Commitment to Least-Restrictive Practice
Our Approach to Behaviour Support
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we are committed to least-restrictive, person-centred practice. Our focus is on proactive, preventive strategies that reduce the likelihood of behaviours of concern and create safe, supportive environments.
Our practitioners:
- Work closely with participants, families, and providers
- Conduct thorough functional assessments
- Develop evidence-based behaviour support plans
- Prioritise the participant’s rights, preferences, and strengths
- Aim to eliminate restrictive practices wherever possible
We believe in support that promotes independence, confidence, and well-being.
Alternatives to Restrictive Practices
Many effective alternatives support safety without limiting a person’s rights, such as:
- Environmental adjustments
- Skill-building programs
- Communication supports
- Sensory tools
- Predictable routines
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Carer training and education
By using these approaches, we help participants feel understood, respected, and empowered, while maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restrictive Practices
Q: Why are restrictive practices used?
A: Only as a last resort, when there is a serious and immediate risk to the person or others, and all other strategies have been exhausted.
Q: Can participants refuse restrictive practices?
A: Informed consent is essential. Where a participant cannot provide consent, substitute decision-makers or guardians must be involved.
Q: How can families advocate for least-restrictive options?
A: Open communication with behaviour support practitioners, support coordinators, and providers helps ensure alternatives are fully explored.
Q: What happens if restrictive practices are used improperly?
A: Providers may face significant consequences, including investigations or penalties under the NDIS Commission.
Your Role in Supporting Ethical Practice
Understanding restrictive practices empowers families, carers, and participants to advocate for the safest, most respectful support possible. By choosing providers who prioritise participant rights and least-restrictive approaches, you play a vital role in ensuring ethical and effective care.
If you’d like guidance on behaviour support, restrictive practices, or developing a least-restrictive behaviour support plan, we’re here to help.
Speak with a Liberty Behavioural Services practitioner today and take the next step toward safe, compassionate, and empowering support.
