Restrictive Practice and why EBL cannot impose a Restrictive Practice without the appropriate authority
Often individuals or family members ask EBL staff to implement practices when caring for their loved ones that are not possible under the NDIS without approval . While we do our best to support everyone ’ s requests it is important to understand that on occasions we cannot carry out specific requests until a formal process has been undertaken .
What are ( Regulated ) Restrictive Practices ?
( Regulated ) Restrictive Practices are any practices that have the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability . This can include restraint ( chemical , mechanical , social or physical ) and seclusion ( keeping someone in isolation ). Some of the major examples are locking the fridge , cupboard , external doors , locking personal belongings away or use of medication for the primary purpose of influencing a person ' s behaviour .
Why can ’ t EBL enforce the same practices as I do at home – such as making my child go to bed at a set time , or taking their phone away from them ?
EBL cannot enforce the same practices that you implement at home , as EBL is a registered NDIS provider and we must promote and encourage choice and control amongst all participants in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . Therefore , if a participant chooses not to partake in an activity or chooses to decline a suggestion from a support staff then EBL Support staff are required to respect the chosen request of the participant and act accordingly on their nominated request . Going against the participants request and enforcing a practice would be deemed a restrictive practice by the NDIS Commission and would be going against the participants right of choice and control . All Restrictive Practices we implement in our services have to go through an approval process , which includes obtaining consent from the appropriate authorised person . This means each person who required a restrictive practice needs to be assessed by a behaviour specialist as a part of developing a Positive Behaviour Support Plan .
What is a Positive Behaviour Support Plan ( PBSP )?
PBSP is an individualised written document , which is developed by a behaviour specialist . Behaviour specialists collaboratively work with the person with disability and their support people to gain a holistic understanding of the communication purpose / functions of the behaviour and outlines the individualised behaviour strategies according to their support environment . The PBSP can be used as a guide to best support or interact with the person to ensure that the people in their entire support network communicate with the person in the same manner . Behaviour specialists assess the implemented Restrictive Practices during the plan development to ensure that those practices are the last resort and the person with disability ' s choice and control are appropriately considered .
Do I need a PBSP for my child ?
If you ’ re family member requires EBL to implement any practices that are considered Restrictive Practices , we have to request you to prepare a PBSP . However , we will still discuss the PBSP with you to ensure we are always implementing the least restrictive approaches . If your family member already has a PBSP but EBL is not listed as an ' Implementing Provider ' in the plan , then we will have to ask you to update the plan accordingly . Respite Program Manager , Tanya Gallas can work through this process with you and guide you every step of the way .
What if my child doesn ' t have appropriate funds in his / her NDIS plan to develop one ?
It is important to recognise that each persons situation is different so please touch base with Tanya and she will guide you .
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