Understanding the NDIS Behaviour Support Plan Process: Interim and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
Starting Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand assessments, timeframes, restrictive practices, and what happens when changing providers.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has requirements around how behaviour support plans are developed and reviewed. Understanding this process helps participants, families, support coordinators, and providers know what to expect.
The Two Types of Behaviour Support Plans
There are two main types of Behaviour Support Plans under the NDIS:
• Interim Behaviour Support Plan
• Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan
Both plans have different purposes depending on the participant’s current needs, risks, and circumstances.
What is an Interim Behaviour Support Plan?
An Interim Behaviour Support Plan is developed when there is an immediate need for behaviour support.
“An Interim Behaviour Support Plan is developed early in the behaviour support process while further assessment is completed. It provides initial strategies to reduce risk and support the participant and others, particularly where behaviours of concern or regulated restrictive practices are present.”
An Interim BSP includes:
✓ general preventative strategies
✓ response strategies to reduce risk of harm
✓ information about behaviours of concern
✓ guidance for families, carers, and support teams
✓ identification of any regulated restrictive practices being used
Where a specialist behaviour support provider is engaged to develop a behaviour support plan, the NDIS Behaviour Support Rules require an Interim Behaviour Support
Plan to be developed within **one month after engagement**.
What is a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan?
A Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan is developed following further assessment, including a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA).
A Functional Behaviour Assessment explores:
✓ what may be contributing to behaviours of concern
✓ what purpose or function the behaviour may be serving
✓ what changes may support the person and their environment
A Comprehensive BSP includes evidence-informed strategies focused on:
✓ improving quality of life
✓ supporting positive change
✓ addressing the function of behaviour
✓ environmental changes
✓ skill development
✓ response strategies when behaviours occur
✓ reducing and eliminating regulated restrictive practices where they are used
Under the NDIS Behaviour Support Rules, a Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan must be developed within six months after engagement.
When Does the Timeline Start?
The timeframe starts when the specialist behaviour support provider is engaged.
The NDIS Commission identifies engagement as:
• the date of the service agreement; or
• a later date listed in the service agreement as the start date for developing the plan
If a practitioner changes within the same organisation, the timeframe continues from when the provider was engaged. It does not restart because the practitioner changes.
What Happens When Changing PBS Providers?
Sometimes a participant may move from one specialist behaviour support provider to another.
The process depends on what is already in place.
If there is no existing Behaviour Support Plan
The newly engaged provider is required to develop:
• an Interim BSP within one month
• a Comprehensive BSP within six months
If there is an existing Interim Behaviour Support Plan
The provider may continue towards developing the Comprehensive BSP when the existing Interim BSP:
✓ remains current
✓ meets the participant’s immediate needs
✓ minimises risk of harm
The implementing provider also needs to confirm requirements relating to restrictive practices, including:
✓ the plan has been lodged with the NDIS Commission
✓ all regulated restrictive practices are identified
✓ reporting information remains accurate
✓ required authorisations are in place
If there is an existing Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan
A newly engaged provider may provide implementation support if the existing plan remains current and appropriate to the participant’s needs.
A review may be required when there has been a change in circumstances or when review timeframes apply.
When Circumstances Change
Behaviour support is not always a straight pathway.
A participant’s needs, environment, supports, risks, or circumstances may change over time.
Examples may include:
• changes in living arrangements
• changes in support teams
• new or increased behaviours of concern
• changes in health, mental health, or life circumstances
• changes involving restrictive practices
Behaviour Support Plans need to reflect the person’s current situation and support needs.
The Goal of Positive Behaviour Support
Positive Behaviour Support is not just about reducing behaviours of concern.
Effective PBS focuses on understanding why behaviour occurs and supporting meaningful improvements in the person’s quality of life.
This includes considering:
• the person’s needs and goals
• communication
• relationships
• skills
• environments
• supports around the person
At Tessera PBS, our focus is on developing evidence-informed, person-centred and practical behaviour support that promotes safety, understanding, and meaningful change.
Every piece has meaning. Every behaviour has function.