Behaviour support in Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory (NT), the NT Senior Practitioner in the Department of Health authorises restrictive practices for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. This is set out in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Authorisations) Act 2019. The registered provider applies with the participant's behaviour support plan. An authorisation usually lasts 12 months, or 6 months with an interim plan.
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
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How restrictive practices are authorised in Northern Territory
| Scheme | Northern Territory Restrictive Practices Authorisation Framework |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | NT Senior Practitioner, Department of Health (Restrictive Practices Authorisation Unit) |
| Law or policy | National Disability Insurance Scheme (Authorisations) Act 2019 (NT) |
| In place since | 1 July 2019 |
The registered NDIS provider that will use the practice applies to the NT Senior Practitioner through the online Restrictive Practices Authorisation System. The application includes the behaviour support plan or interim plan, details of the practice, and evidence that the provider has talked with the participant and their family, carers or guardian.
The Senior Practitioner can authorise a practice only if it's needed to prevent harm and is the least restrictive approach reasonably available. They can grant it, refuse it, or propose a different practice. The provider and the participant get the decision and the reasons in writing. The framework covers adults and children who are NDIS participants.
An authorisation lasts 12 months and an interim authorisation lasts 6 months, unless the Senior Practitioner sets a different period. Some practices can never be authorised in the NT. These include seclusion of anyone under 18, aversive or degrading practices, and denying key needs such as contact with family and friends.
The participant, their guardian, the behaviour support practitioner or the provider can ask the Chief Executive of the Department of Health to review a decision. If they're unhappy with the result, they can apply to the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).
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.
Northern Territory questions
Can a participant or family ask for a review in the NT?
Yes. The participant or their guardian can ask the Chief Executive of the Department of Health for a review. For a decision to authorise a practice, they can ask at any time while it's in place. After that, they can apply to NTCAT.
What happens if we move to the NT from another state?
An authorisation from another state or territory doesn't apply in the NT. The provider needs to apply to the NT Senior Practitioner for a new one.
Are face-down or face-up restraints allowed in the NT?
No. The NT framework lists prone (face-down) and supine (face-up) restraint, pin downs, basket holds and takedowns as prohibited forms of physical restraint.
Does the NT scheme cover children?
Yes. It applies to adults and children who are NDIS participants with a behaviour support plan. Seclusion can't be authorised for anyone under 18.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Northern Territory?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Northern Territory. If they can't help, we find someone who can.