Behaviour support in South Australia
South Australia's Restrictive Practices Authorisation Scheme started on 30 May 2022. It's run by the Restrictive Practices Unit in the Department of Human Services (DHS), led by the Senior Authorising Officer. Authorised Program Officers (APOs) working for registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers can authorise some practices. Others go to the Senior Authorising Officer to decide.
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
Find a practitioner in South Australia
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 South Australia
| Scheme | Restrictive Practices Authorisation Scheme |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | Senior Authorising Officer and the Restrictive Practices Unit, Department of Human Services, with Authorised Program Officers in registered NDIS providers |
| Law or policy | Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA), as amended in 2021 to cover restrictive practices for NDIS participants |
| In place since | 30 May 2022 |
The participant needs a behaviour support plan written by a practitioner the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) considers suitable. Many providers have an APO, a staff member approved by the Senior Authorising Officer to make some authorisation decisions.
Only APOs and the Senior Authorising Officer can make authorisation decisions. APOs can authorise some practices. Others they endorse and send to the Senior Authorising Officer to decide.
A guardian or family member can't authorise a restrictive practice or tell a provider to use one. Their views are still part of the decision. South Australia also has extra limits on seclusion. It can't last longer than two hours and can only be used in an emergency to prevent serious harm. Some practices are banned outright, including using a restrictive practice as punishment.
Families can contact the Restrictive Practices Unit on 1800 862 004 or at DHSRestrictivePracticesUnit@sa.gov.au with questions or worries about a restrictive practice.
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.
South Australia questions
Can a family member authorise a restrictive practice in South Australia?
No. A guardian or family member can't authorise a restrictive practice or direct a provider to use one. Their views are still part of the decision.
Who makes authorisation decisions in South Australia?
Only Authorised Program Officers (APOs) and the Senior Authorising Officer. APOs can authorise some practices themselves. Others they endorse and send to the Senior Authorising Officer.
Are there extra rules on seclusion in South Australia?
Yes. Seclusion can't last longer than two hours. It can only be used in an emergency to prevent serious harm.
Who can I contact with a concern in South Australia?
Talk to the provider and the behaviour support practitioner first. You can also contact the DHS Restrictive Practices Unit on 1800 862 004.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in South Australia?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of South Australia. If they can't help, we find someone who can.