What are restrictive practices in the NDIS?

At a glance

“Restrictive practice' means any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability.” (NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission)

Under the NDIS Rules, certain restrictive practices are regulated. These include seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint.

NSW is working towards the reduction and elimination of the use of restrictive practices. The focus should be on supporting behavioural needs to prevent the use of restrictive practices.

It is required that restrictive practices are:

  • only used in limited circumstances, and as a last resort
  • the least restrictive response possible to ensure the safety of the person or others
  • only used for the shortest possible time to ensure the safety of the person or others
  • only used when underpinned by a positive behaviour support framework
  • not to be used as a first response to behaviours of concern or as a substitute for adequate supervision.

Restrictive practices are highly distressing for the person who is being controlled or sedated. People who have experienced the use of force or coercion during past trauma can be re-traumatised when a worker uses restrictive practices.

- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition

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… these practices are now being restricted, but the reason for this is not acknowledged. It is a change that consumers have fought for.

- A person with lived experience of a mental health condition

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Resources

Understanding behaviour support and restrictive practices - for providers

The NDIS Commission website provides an overview of behaviour support and restrictive practices for providers.

Type: Web page
Estimate reading time: 15 minutes
Produced by: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Considering Additional Risks – Reducing and Eliminating Restrictive Practices
These short videos and the accompanying guide explore the use of restrictive practices and ways to consider less restrictive ways of supporting people.
Type: videos and accompanying guide
Length: 16 Pages
Produced by: National Disability Services

Current as at: Monday 6 February 2023
Contact page owner: Mental Health