What Are Restrictive Practices?
Summary
Restrictive practices are serious interventions used to prevent harm, and they're closely monitored under NDIS guidelines. This article explains what they are, when they're used, and how Ably Care ensures safe, respectful, and person-centred support.
What Are Restrictive Practices?
Restrictive practices are interventions that limit a person's freedom of movement or decision-making, often to prevent serious harm to themselves or others. Because they affect a person's rights, these practices are heavily regulated and must only be used as a last resort.
They are generally associated with behaviour support strategies for people whose actions may place themselves or others at risk.
Types of Restrictive Practices
There are five main types recognised by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission:
- Seclusion – Confining a person in a room or space they can't leave freely
- Chemical restraint – Using medication to control behaviour (not for a medical condition)
- Mechanical restraint – Using devices (e.g. belts, mitts) to restrict movement
- Physical restraint – Using hands or body to limit movement
- Environmental restraint – Restricting access to certain areas or items (e.g. locking fridge or doors)
Why Are They Used?
These practices are used only when there is no safer alternative and when a person's behaviour presents a high risk of harm.
- Must be clearly outlined in a behaviour support plan
- Should be short-term and regularly reviewed
- Only used by trained staff
- Requires authorisation and oversight from the relevant state/territory body
What the NDIS Commission Says
The NDIS Commission monitors and regulates the use of restrictive practices to ensure:
- The rights and dignity of participants are protected
- Restrictive practices are used safely and lawfully
- There is a plan to reduce or eliminate the need for them
Every time a regulated restrictive practice is used, it must be reported to the NDIS Commission.
Behaviour Support and Regulation
If restrictive practices are needed, the participant must have a Specialist Behaviour Support Plan written by a registered professional. This plan includes:
- Functional assessments
- Participant and family input
- Proactive strategies
- Plans to reduce or eliminate restrictions
It's all about understanding the root causes of behaviour and supporting the person in safer, more empowering ways.
Ably Care's Approach
At Ably Care, we:
- Prioritise positive behaviour support
- Work with registered behaviour support practitioners
- Ensure all staff are trained in least restrictive practice principles
- Create safe, respectful environments
- Encourage participant voice and choice wherever possible
We believe in supporting people with compassion, not control.
Safeguarding Human Rights
Restrictive practices aren't just a clinical issue—they're a human rights concern. The goal is always to:
- Understand behaviours
- Improve communication
- Build independence
- Reduce the need for restriction
It's about helping participants thrive with dignity, safety and respect.
Quick Facts and Considerations
- Restrictive practices are last-resort strategies
- A behaviour support plan is mandatory
- All use must be monitored and reported
- Proactive support often reduces the need for restrictions
- Participants and families must be involved in the process
Restrictive practices are complex, but with the right training, oversight and person-centred planning, we can make support safer and more empowering for everyone. At Ably Care, we are committed to ensuring our support always respects the choices, voice and rights of every participant.