Positive behaviour support in Melbourne and Perth

Positive behaviour support (PBS) puts the person's rights, skills and quality of life first. We work out what need the behaviour is meeting, then build support so the person can meet it in a way that is safer for them and everyone around them.

What is a behaviour of concern?

A behaviour that puts the person or others at risk, or limits their access to everyday life, such as aggression, self-injury or property damage.

Who it is for

NDIS participants whose plan includes behaviour support, and the families, carers and support workers around them. We also work alongside our 24/7 complex support, supported independent living and forensic disability support services.

1. Referral and funding check

   We look at the person's NDIS plan and confirm that behaviour support is funded and that we can provide the service.

2. Functional behaviour assessment

   We work with the person and the people who know them best to understand what the behaviour is for, when it happens and what helps.

3. Behaviour support plan

   We write the plan with the person and their supports. It sets out strategies for meeting the need and lists any restrictive practices and how they will be reduced.

4. Training the people around the person

   A plan only works if everyone uses it. We explain it to family, carers and support workers.

5. Review

   We review and update the plan as the person's needs change.

The timeframes that come from the rules

1 month

An interim plan is needed within one month of a practitioner being engaged, where a restrictive practice is likely to be used again.

12 months

Plans with a restrictive practice must be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if circumstances change.

5 days

An unplanned restrictive practice must be reported as a reportable incident within five days of the provider becoming aware.

Melbourne

We work face to face at home, in the community and where else the behaviour happens, across Melbourne's west and south-east, including Wyndham, Werribee, Point Cook, Truganina, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine, Footscray, Caroline Springs, Melton and Dandenong. Telehealth is available where it suits the person and the plan.

Perth

Our Perth service is delivered by telehealth, so you do not need to travel and the whole support team can join a video call from wherever they are.

Brisbane

Face-to-face visits are arranged case by case. Call us to check, or see our NDIS support services in Brisbane.

What telehealth involves

• A device with a camera and a stable internet connection
• A familiar support person with the participant for the session, where needed
• Video sessions with the people who support the person day to day
• A face-to-face visit if we need to see the behaviour in the home, where we can arrange it

We work with independent behaviour support practitioners. Each one is considered suitable by the NDIS Commission to carry out behaviour support assessments and write behaviour support plans, and each holds their own professional qualifications and memberships.

Who is accountable

Caring Hearts is the registered provider. We hold your service agreement and stay responsible for the service, including making sure plans meet the NDIS rules, are lodged where required, and are monitored and reviewed.

Why it matters to you

• A practitioner with the right skills for the person, rather than whoever is available.
• One point of contact for the service agreement, the plan and any concerns.
• Practitioners who work alongside our support workers and coordinators.

What is positive behaviour support?

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an approach that looks for the reason behind a behaviour of concern and helps the person get that need met in a safer way. It focuses on the person's rights, quality of life and skills, not on punishment or control.

What is a behaviour of concern?

A behaviour that puts the person or others at risk, or limits the person's access to everyday life, such as aggression, self-injury or property damage. It is usually a way of communicating something the person cannot say another way.

What is a behaviour support plan?

A written plan prepared with the person, their family, carers and supports. It sets out evidence-informed strategies to meet the person's needs and reduce behaviours of concern, and it lists any restrictive practices and how they will be reduced.

What is the difference between an interim and a comprehensive plan?

Under NDIS Commission rules, if a restrictive practice is likely to be used again, an interim plan is needed within one month of a practitioner being engaged. A comprehensive plan builds in positive strategies so the restriction is no longer needed, and includes fade-out strategies if it continues.

What are restrictive practices?

Any practice that restricts a person's rights or freedom of movement to protect them or others from harm. The NDIS regulates five types: seclusion, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, physical restraint and environmental restraint. Each must be a last resort and authorised. See the NDIS Commission's guide to behaviour support and restrictive practices.

Who can write a behaviour support plan?

Only practitioners the NDIS Commission considers suitable. They must work for, or be, a provider registered for specialist behaviour support.

Are your practitioners employees or contractors?

We work with independent behaviour support practitioners. Each is considered suitable by the NDIS Commission and holds their own qualifications. Caring Hearts is the registered provider: we hold your service agreement and remain responsible for the service.

Can I self-manage my behaviour support funding?

No. The NDIS says specialist behaviour support must be delivered by registered providers and managed by the NDIA, so it cannot be self-managed and unregistered providers cannot be used.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Our Perth service is delivered by telehealth. In Melbourne we work face to face with the option of telehealth where it suits the person and the plan.

Do you support people in Brisbane?

Face-to-face visits in Brisbane are arranged case by case. Call us on 1800 844 995 to check, or see our NDIS support services in Brisbane.

Which Melbourne suburbs do you cover?

We work face to face across Melbourne's west and south-east, including Wyndham, Werribee, Point Cook, Truganina, Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine, Footscray, Caroline Springs, Melton and Dandenong. Call us to check a specific suburb.

How often is a plan reviewed?

Plans that include a restrictive practice must be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if the person's circumstances change.

Is this a crisis service?

No. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. Positive behaviour support is planned, ongoing support. It helps prevent crises, and it is not an emergency response.

How do I start?

Call 1800 844 995 or use our referrals page. We will ask about the person's NDIS plan, their support needs and the people around them, and we check that we can provide the service before agreeing.