Behaviour support in Victoria
In Victoria, each registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider that uses restrictive practices must have an Authorised Program Officer (APO) approved by the Victorian Senior Practitioner. The APO authorises regulated restrictive practices under the Disability Act 2006. Seclusion, physical restraint and mechanical restraint also need the Senior Practitioner's approval.
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
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How restrictive practices are authorised in Victoria
| Scheme | Authorisation of regulated restrictive practices under the Disability Act 2006 |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | Authorised Program Officers in each registered NDIS provider, with the Victorian Senior Practitioner (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing) approving seclusion, physical restraint and mechanical restraint |
| Law or policy | Disability Act 2006 (Vic), Part 7 |
| In place since | 1 July 2019 |
The participant needs an NDIS behaviour support plan from a practitioner the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) considers suitable. The provider's APO can authorise a practice only if it's needed to prevent physical harm, is the least restrictive option, is in the plan, and isn't used for longer than needed.
Seclusion, physical restraint and mechanical restraint also need the Senior Practitioner's approval. The Senior Practitioner can require approval for other practices, or for certain groups of people, too. Within 2 working days of authorising a practice, the APO must send the plan to the Senior Practitioner.
An independent person must be available to explain the practice to the person and tell them they can ask for a review. The independent person can't be a provider for the person or have helped write the plan. The provider must also give the person a written notice at least 2 working days before using the practice.
The person can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a review within 28 days of being told about the decision. An authorisation lasts until the behaviour support plan expires or is replaced, unless it's revoked first.
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.
Victoria questions
What does an Authorised Program Officer do?
An APO is a person in the provider's organisation, approved by the Senior Practitioner, who authorises regulated restrictive practices and makes sure they're used as the law requires. Apart from emergencies, a provider can't use restrictive practices without an approved APO.
Which practices need the Senior Practitioner's approval in Victoria?
Seclusion, physical restraint and mechanical restraint, plus any practice the Senior Practitioner has directed must be approved. Chemical and environmental restraint are authorised by the APO unless a direction says otherwise.
Who is the independent person in Victoria?
Someone who explains the practice to the person and their right to a review. They can't be a provider for the person, have an interest in one, or have helped write or review the plan. They can raise concerns with the Senior Practitioner.
Can a decision be reviewed in Victoria?
Yes. The person can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) within 28 days of being told about the decision.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Victoria?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Victoria. If they can't help, we find someone who can.