Authorised Program Officers (APOs) can play a crucial role in reducing the use of regulated restrictive practices through several strategies:
Ensure Proper Assessment and Planning
1. Verify that a comprehensive functional behaviour assessment has been conducted.
2. Confirm that the behaviour support plan (BSP) includes strategies to:
– Identify triggers for behaviours of concern
– Prevent behaviours of concern
– Minimise, reduce, or redirect challenging behaviours
Promote Person-centred Approaches
1. Ensure the BSP is tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances.
2. Verify that the participant and their family have been involved in the planning process.
3. Confirm that implementing Behaviour Support (BSP) includes appropriate communication strategies for the participant.
Authorise with Caution
1. Only authorise restrictive practices as a last resort, after other options have been explored.
2. Authorise for the shortest possible time, with a maximum of 15 months for comprehensive BSPs and 8 months for interim BSPs.
3. Consider authorising for shorter periods when immediate safety is required while further work is done to improve behaviour supports.
Monitor and Review
1. Regularly review the use of restrictive practices.
2. Look for red flags such as increases in emergency use or PRN (as needed) administration.
3. Ensure that BSPs are reviewed at least every 12 months or when circumstances change.
Promote Staff Development
1. Ensure staff are trained in positive behaviour support techniques.
2. Encourage ongoing professional development, such as de-escalation and trauma-informed care.
Use Data to Inform Practice
1. Ensure proper documentation and reporting of restrictive practice use.
2. Analyse data to identify trends and opportunities for reduction.
3. Use outcome measurement tools to assess the effectiveness of behaviour support strategies.
Collaborate with Stakeholders
1. Work closely with behaviour support practitioners to ensure BSPs are effective and up-to-date.
2. Engage with participants and their families to gather feedback and insights.
3. Coordinate with other service providers involved in the participant’s care.
Maintain Ethical Standards
1. Recluse themselves from authorising restrictive practices where there’s a conflict of interest.
2. Ensure all decisions are documented and justified.
3. Adhere to the principles of using the least restrictive option possible.
By implementing these strategies, APOs can significantly contribute to the reduction and elimination of regulated restrictive practices, promoting the rights and well-being of NDIS participants.
Citations:
[3] https://www.dss.gov.au/system/files/resources/national_fraemwork_restricitive_practices_0.docx
[4] https://betterrehab.com.au/content-hub/restrictive-practices-and-pbs/
[8] https://nds.org.au/news/drc-research-highlights-effective-strategies-to-reduce-restrictive-practices
[9] https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/news-and-media/media-releases/report-examines-alternatives-use-restrictive-practices [10] https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/783154/Restrictive-practices-manual-for-authorised-program-officers.pdf
