Sometimes, behaviours of concern need to be addressed immediately to ensure the safety and well-being of an NDIS participant and the people around them. Waiting weeks or months for a full Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) isn’t always an option, and that’s where an Interim Behaviour Support Plan comes in.
An interim BSP is a short-term plan designed to provide urgent guidance and strategies while a comprehensive, long-term plan is being developed. It must still comply with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements and be created by a registered Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioner.
When Is an Interim BSP Used?
Interim BSPs are typically implemented in urgent or high-risk situations, such as:
- Emergency placements into new accommodation.
- The sudden onset of new or more severe behaviours of concern.
- Situations where restrictive practices are already in use and require immediate authorisation and monitoring.
These plans allow support teams to respond quickly, reducing harm and maintaining stability during transitions or crises.
What Does an Interim BSP Include?
While less detailed than a comprehensive BSP, an interim plan still contains the essentials:
- A basic behavioural assessment to identify immediate triggers and functions of behaviour.
- Proactive strategies to prevent escalation wherever possible.
- Reactive strategies to respond safely if behaviours occur.
- Documentation of any restrictive practices, including when and how they should be applied, along with review and reporting requirements.
The emphasis is on safety, dignity, and stability while further assessments take place.
Transitioning to a Comprehensive Plan
An interim BSP is temporary, generally valid for between one and six months. During this time, the practitioner collects data, conducts a detailed Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA), and works with the individual and their support network to create a tailored, long-term BSP.
This transition period is essential; it ensures strategies are based on accurate, person-centred insights rather than reactive measures alone.
Why Interim BSPs Matter
Without an interim BSP, urgent situations can leave support workers guessing, increasing the risk of unsafe responses or inconsistent care. A well-prepared interim plan ensures:
- The person’s rights and dignity are upheld.
- Support staff know exactly how to respond.
- Restrictive practices (if necessary) are safely regulated and monitored.
How Liberty Behavioural Services Helps
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we understand that urgent situations require a fast, coordinated response. We connect NDIS participants and coordinators with qualified PBS practitioners who can develop compliant, effective interim BSPs in a short timeframe. This ensures safety and stability while laying the groundwork for a high-quality, long-term behaviour support plan.
