What is an Interim Behaviour Support Plan?
An interim behaviour support plan is a short-term plan prepared by a registered NDIS behaviour support practitioner. Like a comprehensive behaviour support plan, it looks at your behaviour support needs, but focuses on immediate strategies to prevent harm and maintain safety.
This plan may also include regulated restrictive practices, but only as a last resort and in line with NDIS rules and regulations. It must also provide clear steps for reducing or eliminating restrictive practices over time.
When Do You Need an Interim Behaviour Support Plan?
You may need an interim plan if:
Your support workers use a restrictive practice without authorisation from your state or territory (e.g., in an emergency).
A restrictive practice is used that isn’t covered in your current behaviour support plan and is likely to continue.
Restrictive practices are required immediately to protect you or others from harm.
Timeframes and Responsibilities
Your behaviour support practitioner must:
Develop your interim plan within 1 month from the first day a restrictive practice is used.
Submit the plan to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission as soon as it is ready.
Prepare a comprehensive behaviour support plan within 6 months of the restrictive practice being used.
Submit the comprehensive plan to the NDIS Commission for review.
👉 Learn more: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Behaviour Support
Rules and Regulations
An interim behaviour support plan must comply with the:
NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission guidelines
These frameworks ensure that restrictive practices are only used in line with legislation and that strategies always focus on reducing restrictive practices over time.
Example:
Case Study – Olivia’s Story
Olivia, 27, has behaviours of concern that sometimes result in self-harm. In an emergency, her support workers used a restrictive practice that had not yet been authorised. Her behaviour support practitioner quickly developed an interim behaviour support plan within two weeks.
The plan outlined:
Clear safety strategies for Olivia and her support team
Short-term use of restrictive practices (with state authorisation sought)
Positive support strategies to reduce Olivia’s distress
A transition pathway to a comprehensive behaviour support plan within six months
Why Interim Plans Matter
An interim behaviour support plan is critical for:
Immediate safety of participants and support workers
Ensuring compliance with NDIS rules and legislation
Providing a clear pathway to longer-term, positive behaviour strategies
At Complete Money Management, we help participants and families navigate the funding and supports available through the NDIS, including behaviour support plans.
➡️ Contact us today to learn more about managing your NDIS plan.
Internal Links:
Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans
External Links:
By Complete Money Management
Your partner in navigating the NDIS with confidence.
www.completemoney.com.au