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.
News & Insights
Check Our Latest Resources
At helpz, we know that providing high-quality behaviour support starts with confident, well-equipped practitioners. That’s why we created the Behaviour Support Development Program (BSDP) —our very own training and mentorship pathway designed to help new practitioners build the skills they need to succeed. Since launching in 2022, our program has supported over 100 practitioners to step into the field with the practical knowledge, experience, and confidence to provide meaningful support to people with disabilities. And we’re proud to say that number is growing every year! How It Works The BSDP is delivered entirely online and starts with a series of seven interactive webinars , giving practitioners a strong foundation in behaviour support. From there, participants can opt into an 8-week mentorship program , where they work alongside our experienced clinicians to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Throughout the program, we guide practitioners every step of the way, helping them: ✅ Write and refine behaviour support plans ✅ Develop effective data collection strategies ✅ Complete assessments with confidence ✅ Prepare training and implementation programs, including those involving restrictive practices At the end of the self-paced journey , each practitioner undergoes a comprehensive review of their self-assessment and previous experience. Based on this, they may be endorsed as Core or Developing Core , setting them up for success as they take on their first caseload. What Our Practitioners Say Many of our past participants have shared how the BSDP gave them the confidence and skills to thrive in their roles. Courtney Pettingill , a recent BSDP graduate, said: "I was initially anxious about completing the BSDP… but the activities made learning easy, and my nerves quickly faded thanks to the incredible support from the Helpz team and my clinical supervisor. Now, I feel confident delivering behaviour support services." Looking Ahead to 2025 We’re excited to continue growing our BSDP in 2025, welcoming even more passionate practitioners who want to make a real impact in the disability sector. If you’re looking for a supportive, hands-on program to kick-start your behaviour support career, we’d love to welcome you to helpz! Find out more about our program here .
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
As the new school year approached, Jade felt a familiar mix of excitement and anxiety. Her son, Liam, who is neurodivergent, had always found transitions challenging. Determined to make this year different, Jade decided to take proactive steps to ensure Liam’s success. Jade began by reaching out to Liam’s school to discuss their approach to inclusion. She learned about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which uses flexible teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. This reassured her that Liam’s unique needs would be considered. She also arranged a meeting with the classroom teacher to review Liam’s Individualised Education Plan (IEP). To ensure the IEP was up-to-date and reflective of Liam’s strengths, challenges, and progress, Jade invited Liam’s therapist to attend the meeting. This was an opportunity to ensure the UDL principles were being applied effectively. Next, Jade spoke to Liam’s Occupational Therapist (OT), and together they decided that Liam would benefit from some environmental changes in the classroom. The OT and Jade developed a list of resources Liam would need during moments of dysregulation. Jade inquired about sensory-friendly spaces and brain breaks, and was pleased to find out that the school had quiet areas where Liam could take breaks, including during playtime when the playgrounds were noisy and crowded. Concerned about Liam’s social skills and his challenges around making and keeping friends, Jade prepared some ideas and strategies with Liam’s therapy team to support him in developing connections this year. These included a buddy program, lunch clubs around specific interests, social skills programs both in and outside of school, and flexible seating in the classroom so Liam could sit with peers he felt comfortable with. Jade also established regular check-ins with Liam’s teachers to stay updated on his progress. She made sure to be actively involved in planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that Liam’s needs were always at the forefront. By taking these proactive steps and involving a therapist in the IEP meeting, Jade felt more confident that Liam would have a successful and supportive school year. Ready to Take the Next Step? Every child deserves an education tailored to their unique needs. Just like Jade, you can advocate for your child’s success by being well-prepared for their IEP meeting . Download our free Parent’s Guide to IEP Meetings – a step-by-step resource to help you navigate the process with confidence. Looking for more strategies? Stay connected by connecting with us on Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn for expert tips and real-life success stories.
Ready to use helpz?
helpz can be for:
Get in touch with us to discuss your needs and find out how helpz can support you or your loved one.
helpz recognises the objectives of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present.
©2025 helpz Pty Ltd | All Rights Reserved.