Behaviour support in Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), restrictive practices are regulated under the Senior Practitioner Act 2018. A provider can only use one under a positive behaviour support plan that an independent panel has approved and the ACT Senior Practitioner has registered. The law covers disability, education, and care and protection services, so it reaches beyond the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
Find a practitioner in Australian Capital Territory
Choose your nearest city, or put your postcode in the form and we'll check which registered providers cover your area.
How restrictive practices are authorised in Australian Capital Territory
| Scheme | Approval and registration of positive behaviour support plans |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | ACT Senior Practitioner (Office of the Senior Practitioner, ACT Government), with positive behaviour support panels registered by the Senior Practitioner |
| Law or policy | Senior Practitioner Act 2018 (ACT) |
| In place since | 1 September 2018 |
The provider prepares a positive behaviour support plan with help from someone with positive behaviour support expertise. For NDIS participants, the plan also has to meet national rules, which means it's written by a behaviour support practitioner the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) considers suitable.
The provider sends the plan to a positive behaviour support panel. Panels are registered with the Senior Practitioner and must be independent of the provider. The panel approves the plan only if any restrictive practice in it is needed to prevent harm and is the least restrictive approach reasonably available. The provider then applies to the Senior Practitioner to register the plan.
A registered plan lasts 12 months. The provider must give a copy to the person, their guardian if they have one, and for a child, each person with parental responsibility and the Public Advocate. The person can ask the provider to review the plan at any time, and the provider must help them put the request in writing if needed.
The law doesn't apply to close family members or informal carers. If you have questions about a plan or a restrictive practice, talk to the provider first. You can also contact the ACT Office of the Senior Practitioner.
Read more about restrictive practices under the NDIS.
How it works
Tell us what's going on
Who the support is for, the postcode and what's needed. About two minutes.
We find a provider
We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your area and is taking new clients.
A practitioner contacts you
To talk through assessment, a behaviour support plan, funding and when they can start.
Australian Capital Territory questions
Does the ACT law apply to family members?
No. Close family members and informal carers aren't providers under the Senior Practitioner Act 2018. It applies to people and organisations that provide disability, education, or care and protection services.
Can a restrictive practice be used before a plan is registered in the ACT?
Only to avoid imminent harm, using the least restrictive option, and with approval from the person in charge of the provider where that's practical. The provider must report it to the Senior Practitioner within 5 days.
How long does a registered plan last?
A registered positive behaviour support plan expires 12 months after it's registered. The provider must keep it under review and update it when things change, for example when a restrictive practice is no longer needed.
Can we challenge a decision?
Yes. The person a plan is about can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a review of the Senior Practitioner's decision to register it.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Australian Capital Territory?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Australian Capital Territory. If they can't help, we find someone who can.