How to Develop a Positive Behaviour Support Plan for NDIS Participants
A well-designed positive behaviour support NDIS plan plays a vital role in helping people with disability lead safer, more independent, and fulfilling lives. For many NDIS participants and families, this plan becomes the cornerstone of daily supportāproviding clear guidance, structure, and tools to manage behaviours of concern while promoting meaningful outcomes.
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we work closely with individuals, carers, and support networks to create behaviour support plans that are both effective and aligned with NDIS requirements. Hereās how the process works, and what you need to know to get started.
What Is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred, evidence-based approach aimed at improving a personās quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern. Under the NDIS, this involves developing individualised behaviour support strategies that take into account the personās environment, needs, goals, and strengths.
PBS is not about āfixingā behavioursāitās about understanding why they occur and finding proactive ways to support the individual using respectful, inclusive methods.
1. Understanding the NDIS Requirements for Behaviour Support
The NDIS Commission has set clear guidelines for developing behaviour support plans that involve the use of regulated restrictive practices. If a participant has behaviours that impact their safety or the safety of others, their plan must be developed by an NDIS-registered Specialist Behaviour Support Provider.
These providers follow strict protocols when developing and implementing plans, including formal assessments, collaboration with all stakeholders, and ongoing review processes.
2. Comprehensive Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
The first step in developing a plan is a Functional Behaviour Assessment, which helps us understand the function behind certain behaviours. This includes:
Identifying triggers, patterns, and environmental factors
Reviewing the participantās history, strengths, and needs
Gathering input from families, carers, and support workers
Observing behaviours in different settings
This forms the evidence base for tailoring effective behaviour intervention strategies.
3. Setting Meaningful Goals and Outcomes
A strong PBS plan includes clear, measurable, and person-centred goals that reflect the participantās aspirations. These goals may include:
Reducing the frequency or intensity of behaviours of concern
Improving daily communication and social skills
Increasing participation in community activities
Promoting greater independence at home and in the community
Setting achievable outcomes is a collaborative process that helps guide the implementation phase.
4. Proactive and Preventative Behaviour Strategies
Once we understand the "why" behind a behaviour, we can design strategies to reduce its occurrence. These may involve:
Making environmental adjustments to remove stressors
Introducing structured routines and calming techniques
Teaching alternative ways to communicate needs
Using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours
These preventative approaches help reduce the reliance on reactive responses and foster long-term behavioural change.
5. Reactive Strategies and Risk Management
Despite proactive support, behaviours of concern may still occur. A PBS plan also includes safe and respectful reactive strategies, such as:
De-escalation techniques
Crisis management procedures
Step-by-step plans for ensuring the safety of the participant and others
If restrictive practices are required, they must comply with NDIS Commission rules and be reported appropriately.
6. Involving Families and Support Workers
Everyone involved in the participantās life plays a role in the success of a PBS plan. Thatās why we provide:
Customised training for families and support staff
Communication and reinforcement strategies
Opportunities for regular feedback and skill-building
This ensures the plan is consistently applied across environments and encourages a supportive, unified approach.
7. Ongoing Review and Plan Adjustments
PBS is not a set-and-forget model. Behaviour support plans are dynamic and require regular reviews. This helps us:
Monitor progress toward goals
Make timely adjustments based on data and feedback
Introduce new strategies or remove outdated ones
Ensure compliance with the NDIS behaviour support framework
Participants, families, and NDIS providers work together to ensure the plan stays effective and aligned with evolving needs.
8. Accessing Positive Behaviour Support Through the NDIS
To access behaviour support as part of an NDIS plan, the following steps are typically involved:
Discussing needs during your NDIS planning meeting
Working with NDIS support coordination to connect with qualified behaviour support providers
Engaging a registered Specialist Behaviour Support Provider to complete assessments and develop the plan
Support coordination is key to navigating the system, ensuring services align with your goals, and advocating for appropriate plan funding.
9. Choosing the Right Behaviour Support Provider
Not all providers offer the same level of service. When choosing a provider, look for:
Experience in behavioural therapy under NDIS
Accreditation with the NDIS Commission
A strong track record of creating customised behaviour support plans
A person-first, respectful approach
Liberty Behavioural Services's team is committed to working alongside you to provide practical, compassionate, and effective behaviour support.
Final Thoughts
Developing a positive behaviour support NDIS plan is more than just paperworkāitās about empowering people with disability to thrive. Through the use of evidence-based strategies, collaborative planning, and ongoing review, participants can experience improved quality of life, stronger relationships, and increased independence.
If you or someone you support could benefit from a tailored behaviour support plan, contact Liberty Behavioural Services today. Weāre here to guide you through the NDIS planning process and provide specialist NDIS support services tailored to your unique needs.