Interim restrictive practice approvals in NSW: What Supported Independent Living providers need to know!
March 26, 2025
Interim restrictive practice approvals in NSW:
What Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers need to know!
In New South Wales, interim restrictive practice approvals (RPA) are a crucial component of managing interim behaviour support plans (BSP). These approvals ensure that restrictive practices are used appropriately and with proper oversight.
Key Points about Interim RPA Panels:
- Usage: Interim RPA panels are exclusively for interim BSPs.
- Recording Actions: All actions and decisions f rom an interim RPA panel must be documented in the NSW RPA System, similar to the authorisation of any restrictive practice.
- Panel Composition: The interim RPA panel consists solely of the Senior Manager f rom the NDIS implementing provider. The NSW RPA System restricts the selection of additional panel members for interim panels.
- Independent Specialist: A DCJ Independent Specialist is not included in interim RPA panels.
- Completion of Authorisation: Interim authorisation is f inalised once the Senior Manager approves the restrictive practice, and consent to implement the practice is obtained and recorded in the NSW RPA System.
- Stakeholder Input: It is often benef icial for the behaviour support practitioner and other stakeholders to contribute to the interim RPA panel. Best practice suggests that the author of the BSP attends the panel to provide additional information or answer questions f rom the Senior Manager regarding the strategies in the interim BSP.
- Additional Attendees: Any additional attendees, such as the Behaviour Support Practitioner or the participant, can be noted in the Outcome Summary.
These guidelines ensure that interim restrictive practices are implemented with the necessary oversight and input f rom relevant stakeholders, promoting the best outcomes for individuals under the NDIS. By adhering to these procedures, we can ensure that restrictive practices are used responsibly and effectively, with a focus on the well- being of our clients.
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Parenting is a rewarding journey, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial to take time for self-care. Here are five essential tips to help you stay connected to yourself and maintain your sanity: Prioritise "Me Time" : Carve out a few minutes each day just for yourself. Whether it's enjoying a cuppa, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence, these moments can recharge your batteries. Stay Active: Physical activity is a great stress reliever. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or a dance class. Regular movement can boost your mood and energy levels. Connect with Others: Don't isolate yourself. Reach out to mates, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and hearing others' stories can provide comfort and perspective. Practise Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help you stay grounded and present. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no. Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Communicate your needs to your family and ensure you have space to recharge. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. By prioritising your well-being, you'll be better equipped to care for your loved ones. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine and watch how it positively impacts your life and those around you.
At helpz, our behaviour support practitioners are increasingly adopting Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach to enhance the quality of life for NDIS clients . CPS is an evidence-based model that focuses on solving the underlying problems causing challenging behaviours rather than merely addressing the behaviours themselves. The CPS approach aligns seamlessly with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) , a cornerstone of the NDIS framework . PBS is a person-centred approach that aims to improve an individual's quality of life by understanding the reasons behind their behaviour and addressing their needs in a respectful and supportive manner. By integrating CPS, helpz practitioners can proactively identify and solve problems collaboratively with clients, fostering a non-punitive and non-adversarial environment. CPS involves three key steps: identifying lagging skills and unsolved problems, prioritising problems to be solved, and engaging in collaborative problem-solving discussions This method not only reduces challenging behaviours but also builds essential skills such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving. For NDIS clients , this means a more tailored and effective support plan that respects their dignity and promotes their autonomy. By utilising CPS within the PBS framework, helpz practitioners are better equipped to create positive, lasting changes in the lives of NDIS client s . This approach not only addresses immediate behavioural concerns but also empowers clients to develop the skills they need to thrive in their communities. For more information on our behaviour support services, please c ontact us .
Hello everyone, Tharon here, your neurodivergent consultant. Today, I’d like to discuss the benefits of martial arts, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. While martial arts can be advantageous for everyone, it offers unique benefits for those of us who are neurodivergent. Firstly, let’s consider the health benefits. Martial arts is an excellent form of exercise. Beyond physical fitness, it helps improve clumsiness and balance, which is crucial for many of us. For instance, activities like touching your nose with your eyes closed involve proprioception and kinesthesia (something that autistic people may find difficult), and martial arts can significantly enhance these skills. A fundamental aspect of martial arts is learning balance. Proper standing techniques ensure good balance and that you remain stable. Additionally, martial arts heightens your awareness of your surroundings, enhancing situational awareness enabling you to respond to potential threats faster and more efficiently. This skill is invaluable in everyday life, not just in the dojo. Now, let’s delve into internal self-regulation. Martial arts is particularly beneficial in this regard. It instills discipline and heightens body awareness. You become more attuned to interoception, which is understanding your body’s internal signals. Basic patterns or katas in Taekwondo or Karate help you focus on your breathing and movements. Performing these slowly helps you centre yourself, calm down, and manage your emotions. This mindful movement, or moving meditation, is an effective way to handle anxiety and can be practised anywhere when feeling overwhelmed. For me, it’s about recognising when my mind is racing. Breathing and movement act as catalysts to slow it down. By slowing your breathing, you slow your heartbeat, and this helps you manage your anxiety. This aids in daily activities and provides a sense of control over your environment. Martial arts encompasses various disciplines, including Karate, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu. Eastern martial arts are particularly effective for teaching regulation skills. Parents should participate with their children, attending classes together and practising at home. This not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also helps instill morality and boundaries. Martial arts can reduce the propensity for violence by teaching self-control and self-awareness. Sometimes, the only self-control we have is pausing long enough to move to a safer environment. While it doesn’t guarantee stopping a meltdown, it certainly helps. There is always a risk of martial arts being misused, however this is not unique to autistic children. Martial arts tends to reinforce an autistic person’s natural inclination for justice, honesty and fairness through strong boundaries. Teaching children the proper use of martial arts techniques is an important part of the sport, and this is something that the instructor and parents will do. Martial arts teaches self-defence against bullies. As a child, I was bullied at school, leading to meltdowns and aggressive outbursts. Learning martial arts gave me the confidence to know I was in control. I could defend myself or choose to walk away, which I did. Resorting to violence means you’ve already lost, but being able to protect yourself and others, including those who can’t protect themselves, is crucial. Parents, it’s important to disclose your child’s diagnosis to the instructor. This helps them better prepare and support your child during class. Accommodations might include breaks in a separate area or having parents involved in the lesson. Dance, especially ballet, and gymnastics can also help achieve similar goals to martial arts. Combining these activities with martial arts is highly compatible and supports all the benefits mentioned. Some centres allow children as young as three to attend, so it’s never too early to start. In summary, martial arts offers a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health, and self-regulation. It provides us with skills we might not naturally possess and helps us navigate the world more effectively. Give it a try – it might just be the best decision you make! Best regards, Tharon
