General Questions
What do we mean by ‘complex and challenging behaviours’ or ‘behaviours of concern’?
‘Complex and challenging behaviours’, or ‘behaviours of concerns’ means behaviours which negatively impact upon the quality of life or safety of a person with a disability, their family or support network. Specifically, behaviours of concern relate to acts which pose imminent risk to the safety of one’s self or others.
What is positive behaviour support?
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a person-centred clinical support framework with the primary focus of increasing an individual’s quality of life and then secondarily focusing on reducing behaviours of concern. Research suggests that when an individual has a high quality of life, they are less likely to engage in behaviours of concern.
In this approach, the least restrictive intervention takes priority.
How do I get behaviour support funding?
People who have behaviours of concern directly related to their disability can access funding for behaviour support as part of their NDIS plan. (Capacity Building – Improved Relationships) Funding will usually cover an assessment from a behaviour support practitioner to support the person and their network to better understand the behaviour and why it may occur.
When should I start thinking about behaviour support funding?
As with any kind of planning, the sooner you can start thinking about your person’s behaviour support needs, the better. It is worth initiating the process to get behaviour support funding whilst your person is still at school, as the existence of a plan can accelerate the process of enrolling in post-school services or day programs such as Plus.
If you are accessing behaviour support through school, they will be able to provide you with evidence to request behaviour support funding at your NDIS planning meeting. If not, you may be able to access Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living funding for behaviour assessments that will assist you in obtaining funding for behaviour support in your next review meeting.
Having a behaviour support plan already in place when your child leaves school can afford a more seamless transition to post-school programs.
What are the steps involved when you enroll with us at Plus?
Check out this intake diagram that explains what to expect when you enroll at Plus.
What is a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP)?
A behaviour support plan is a document which outlines a person’s profile, history, behaviours of concern and strategies, both proactive and, if necessary, reactive, to support the individual to improve their quality of life. A behaviour support plan should equip staff with detailed knowledge of the “why” behind an individual’s behaviours of concern and provide them with clear support strategies and techniques to work with the person day to day.
Why do you need various reports from me?
Providing reports, such as a behaviour support plan, OT assessment or school report allows us to have a better understanding of your person. With the right support, your person should have a more enjoyable experience at Plus, and be better able to progress towards their goals.
How much information about my person’s behaviour support needs should I provide?
Many people understandably feel conflicted when discussing behaviour support needs with a new provider. However it is best to be open and transparent, and divulge enough information for us to support your person effectively. The severity or frequency of your person’s behaviours do not necessarily limit their ability to thrive at Plus.
Why do we need to authorise Restrictive Practices (RP)?
As an NDIS provider, Plus has very clear NDIS policies and procedures to follow, with one of them being restrictive practice authorisation process (RPA). The RPA process is in place to ensure the safeguarding of all people with disabilities who display behaviours of concern. It looks to focus on reducing the use of restrictive practices, and preventing misuse and abuse of restrictive practices. These are at the forefront of what we do at Plus and are imperative to ensure we are quality of life focused.
What is the extra step in the process if there are Restrictive Practices (RP) in my plan?
Restrictive practices need to be assessed for suitability and implementation in the Plus environment. If required, they may need to be adjusted to suit the environment. Once suitable, the restrictive practice authorisation process is completed, as described above.
What are the hours at Plus?
Plus operates from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
What type of funding do you accept?
NDIS participants can draw from Core Supports (Social and Community Participation and Daily Living) to fund their attendance. In addition, some participants are funded under insurance schemes of self-funded.
Do you provide transport?
We do not provide transport, however, we may be able to assist with recommending transport providers in your area.