Restrictive practices are one of the most sensitive areas in disability support — and one of the most misunderstood. Used without the right safeguards, they breach a person’s rights. Used as a last resort within a proper framework, with a genuine plan to phase them out, they can keep someone safe while better strategies take hold. The difference is everything. This page explains how regulated restrictive practices work under the NDIS, and how Logik Works helps participants, families and providers across metropolitan Adelaide reduce them the right way.
A regulated restrictive practice is any practice that restricts the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. Under the NDIS framework it’s tightly controlled: it can only be used as a last resort, to prevent harm, and only when it’s part of an authorised behaviour support plan with a clear strategy to reduce and eventually remove it.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission recognises five categories:
Any of these triggers obligations around authorisation, behaviour support planning and reporting.
Under the NDIS, a regulated restrictive practice can’t simply be used because it’s convenient. It must be:
If a participant has a restrictive practice in place without these safeguards, that’s an urgent gap to close — usually starting with an interim behaviour support plan.
At Logik Works, restrictive practices are treated as a last resort and a problem to solve, never a default. Our work focuses on the least restrictive option possible and on building the strategies that make a restrictive practice unnecessary. Every plan that includes one also includes a path to reduce it — because the goal is always more freedom, safety and dignity for the person, not less.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Identify | Document any restrictive practices currently in use and check their authorisation status |
| Make safe | Put an interim behaviour support plan in place where needed, with proper safeguards |
| Understand | Use a functional assessment to learn what’s driving the behaviour the practice responds to |
| Replace | Build proactive strategies and skills that reduce the need for the practice |
| Reduce | Step the practice down safely, monitoring data the whole way |
| Review | Keep reviewing until the practice is no longer needed |
We also provide the oversight and consultation that supported independent living (SIL), supported accommodation and other providers need to get this right. That includes guidance on safe, lawful implementation, support with reporting obligations to the NDIS Commission, and practical coaching for staff so that strategies are applied consistently and restrictive practices genuinely reduce over time. For provider teams, having a specialist alongside you turns a compliance worry into a managed, improving process.
If you can’t confidently tick these, it’s worth a conversation.
Logik Works supports participants and providers with restrictive practice reduction and consultation across greater Adelaide, from our Kensington base. We have experience across community, residential and forensic settings, and we work in person or via telepractice with SIL teams, support coordinators and families throughout the eastern, northern, southern and western suburbs.
Any practice that restricts a person’s rights or freedom of movement — falling into one of five categories: seclusion, chemical, mechanical, physical or environmental restraint.
No. A regulated restrictive practice must be part of an authorised behaviour support plan, with proper reporting and a reduction strategy.
Authorisation follows the relevant SA process; a behaviour support practitioner can guide you through what’s required for your situation.
It’s a plan put in place quickly — within one month — to keep things safe and lawful where a restrictive practice is already being used, while a comprehensive plan is developed.
Often, yes. With the right strategies and skill-building, many restrictive practices can be reduced and ultimately removed. That’s the goal.
Yes. We offer consultation and oversight for SIL and other providers, including reporting support and staff coaching.
By understanding the behaviour it responds to, building replacement strategies, then stepping the practice down gradually while monitoring data.
Reducing restrictive practices is careful, accountable work — and doing it well protects the people who matter most. Whether you’re a family member, a support coordinator or a provider, Logik Works can help you reduce restrictive practices the right way, across metropolitan Adelaide. Make a referral or get in touch to talk it through.