Behaviour support in Western Australia
Western Australia (WA) authorises restrictive practices through a government policy, not a specific law. The provider using the practice must get approval from a Quality Assurance (QA) panel. The panel includes a senior manager from the provider and an independent National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) behaviour support practitioner. The Department of Communities runs the policy.
- Registered NDIS providers only
- Free to use
- Independent, not a provider
Find a practitioner in Western Australia
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How restrictive practices are authorised in Western Australia
| Scheme | Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy |
|---|---|
| Who authorises | Quality Assurance panels convened by the implementing provider, including an independent external NDIS behaviour support practitioner, under policy run by the Department of Communities |
| Law or policy | Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy (WA Government policy, while legislation is developed) |
| In place since | 1 December 2020 |
Authorisation needs two things: a behaviour support plan written by an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, and approval from a QA panel. The implementing provider sets up the panel, appoints the chair and arranges an independent external practitioner. That practitioner can't have written the plan or work for the provider.
Every decision maker on the panel must agree. Approval lasts no more than 12 months and ends no later than the plan's expiry date. Family members and the practitioner who wrote the plan may be invited to the meeting, but they aren't part of the decision.
Families don't need authorisation for a restrictive practice they use themselves with their family member. When a provider uses one in the family home, it does need authorisation. The policy also bans some practices outright, such as face-down (prone) or face-up (supine) restraint, takedowns and denial of key needs.
The policy covers services funded by the NDIS or the WA Government, and runs while the Government develops legislation. If you have a concern, talk to the provider first. You can also contact the Department of Communities' Behaviour Support Consultancy Team on (08) 6217 6888 or at arp@communities.wa.gov.au.
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.
Western Australia questions
Do families need authorisation for restrictive practices at home in WA?
Not for practices you use yourself with your family member. If a provider uses a restrictive practice in the family home, it needs authorisation under the WA policy.
Who sits on a Quality Assurance panel?
At least two decision makers: a senior manager, or their delegate, from the implementing provider, and an independent external NDIS behaviour support practitioner who didn't write the plan. Other people, including family, may be invited but don't make the decision.
Is WA bringing in a law on restrictive practices?
The Department of Communities says it is developing legislation, and the policy applies for an interim period until then. As of September 2026, the policy is what applies.
How long does a QA panel approval last?
Up to 12 months, and never past the expiry date of the behaviour support plan. The panel may set a shorter period.
How do I find a behaviour support practitioner in Western Australia?
Answer a few quick questions on this page. We pass your details to one registered behaviour support provider that covers your part of Western Australia. If they can't help, we find someone who can.