If you’re an NDIS participant, support coordinator, or family member supporting someone with behaviours of concern, you’ve likely heard about Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs).
But what exactly are the main elements of a BSP, and why are they so important?
A Behaviour Support Plan is a document developed under the NDIS framework to guide safe, respectful, and effective strategies for supporting someone who engages in behaviours that pose a risk of harm to themselves or others (previously called behaviours of concern).
The plan is created by a trained Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioner and aims to reduce challenging behaviours, improve quality of life, and strengthen the person’s independence.
Understanding a Behaviour Support Plan
A BSP is a person-centred, evidence-based plan designed to:
- Understand why behaviours occur.
- Provide strategies to prevent and respond to them.
- Promote skill-building and positive behaviour change.
Only NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioners can develop BSPs, and they follow the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission guidelines.
The 5 Main Elements of a Behaviour Support Plan
Under the NDIS framework, BSPs include five key components.
1. Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)
The FBA is the foundation of the plan. It identifies the function or reason for the behaviour by analysing:
- Antecedents – what happens before the behaviour.
- The behaviour – what exactly happens.
- Consequences – what happens after.
The FBA is often documented separately and forms the evidence base for every strategy in the plan.
2. Proactive Strategies
These are prevention-focused strategies that help reduce the likelihood of the behaviour occurring.
Examples include:
- Adjusting the environment to reduce triggers.
- Teaching communication alternatives.
- Providing sensory supports.
3. Response Strategies
These outline what to do if the behaviour does occur, ensuring responses are safe, consistent, and respectful.
They include:
- De-escalation techniques.
- Safe intervention methods.
- Steps to maintain the person’s dignity.
4. Skill Development
A core focus of PBS is replacing behaviours of concern with positive, functional skills.
This may include:
- Communication skills.
- Social interaction skills.
- Emotional regulation techniques.
The aim is to increase the person’s independence and reduce reliance on restrictive or reactive measures.
5. Restrictive Practices (if applicable)
If regulated restrictive practices are included, the BSP must:
- Clearly outline when, how, and why they are used.
- Detail monitoring and review processes.
- Focus on reducing and eliminating these practices over time.
Restrictive practices might include physical restraint, chemical restraint, or environmental restrictions, but only when absolutely necessary and with strict NDIS approval.
Monitoring and Review
Every BSP must include data collection, evaluation, and review schedules.
- This ensures the plan remains effective and relevant.
- Strategies are adjusted based on progress.
How These Elements Work Together
Each element of the BSP plays a role in:
- Promoting consistency across all support environments.
- Keeping the plan person-centred and respectful.
- Achieving long-term positive outcomes for the individual.
When everyone, from family to support workers, follows the plan, the person is more likely to experience stability, safety, and personal growth.
Why Collaboration Matters
The success of any BSP depends on collaboration between:
- The PBS practitioner developing the plan.
- The NDIS participant and their family.
- The support coordinator and all members of the care team.
How Liberty Behavioural Services Can Help
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we connect NDIS participants and coordinators with qualified Positive Behaviour Support practitioners who can create and review BSPs that meet NDIS standards.
We work quickly, respectfully, and collaboratively to ensure each person gets the support they need.
