Questions
The questions we’re asked most. If yours isn’t here, call 1800 123 654 and ask.
Behaviour support
What is positive behaviour support?
It’s a way of understanding why a behaviour happens, then changing what’s around the person so they don’t need it. Behaviour communicates need. We work out what’s being asked for and find a safer way to meet it.
What’s a behaviour of concern?
A behaviour that puts the person or someone else at risk, or gets in the way of the life they want. It isn’t the person’s fault. Often it’s the only way they’ve found to get a need met.
Who is it for?
Children, teenagers and adults with behaviour support funding in their NDIS plan. Their families, guardians and support teams are part of the work.
Where do you work?
We work across Adelaide.
Do you work with the other people in our life?
Yes. Family, support workers, school, day program, doctors and therapists. Strategies only work if everyone is using the same ones.
What does a practitioner do?
They get to know the person across the places they spend time, talk to the people who know them, and collect information about when behaviours happen and what follows. Then they write the plan, train the team in it, and keep reviewing it.
Plans
What’s a behaviour support plan?
A document, written with the person and their support network, that explains what their behaviours of concern are for and how to support them. It’s written for your family, the support workers, the school and community access. If anyone’s unsure what to do when it counts, we’ll talk it through with them.
What’s an interim plan?
A short plan focused on safety, put in place quickly while the full assessment is done. It’s used where there’s a serious risk of harm or a restrictive practice is already being used.
What’s a comprehensive plan?
The full plan, based on the assessment. It covers changes to the environment, ways to head off behaviours, what to do when they happen, skills to learn, and any restrictive practice with a plan to reduce it.
What’s a functional behaviour assessment?
The work that comes before the plan. We watch, ask and collect information across the places the person spends time, to work out what each behaviour is for. You’ll see it written as FBA.
How often is a plan reviewed?
Reviews follow the data, and you’ll hear from us between them. No quiet months.
What if the plan isn’t working?
Tell us. A plan is a working document, and we change what needs changing.
Who gets a copy?
The person, their family or guardian, and the people implementing it, with the person’s consent. We’ll explain who sees what before we share it.
Restrictive practices
What’s a restrictive practice?
Anything that restricts a person’s rights or freedom of movement in order to influence their behaviour. The NDIS Commission regulates five kinds: chemical, environmental, mechanical, physical and seclusion.
Will you recommend one?
Not by default. They’re a last resort where there’s a risk of harm and other strategies haven’t worked. Where it’s safe to, we work on reducing them.
Who authorises them?
We help the provider that uses it seek authorisation under state rules, and we lodge the plan with the NDIS Commission. We explain it to you and keep you in the loop.
Can we say no?
You can tell us, and we’ll take it seriously. In South Australia, a family’s yes or no doesn’t decide it on its own. A restrictive practice has to be authorised under state rules. You have the right to have it explained, and to be consulted before it goes in the plan. If you disagree, we’ll listen, look at other options with you, and explain how to ask for a review. You can also contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544.
What if one is being used without a plan?
Tell us on referral, and we’ll talk through what happens next.
Working with us
Do I need a referral?
No. Call or email and tell us what’s going on. Anyone can refer, including you, or the person themselves.
What does it cost?
Behaviour support is paid for from the Behaviour Support (Improved Relationships) part of an NDIS plan. Our prices follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements. We’ll tell you before anything would cost you money.
What happens first?
Your first meeting is your intake. Bring anyone you want there. We go through what’s happening, what matters most, how you like to communicate and how we handle your information.
Who will I be talking to?
Our staff answer the phone. You don’t need the right words. Just tell them what’s going on. Your first chat is with Rachelle Browne, our Clinical Manager. Your practitioner is your main contact once they’re allocated.
What if I need to cancel?
Give us as much notice as you can, ideally more than two clear business days. Less than that may be charged as a short-notice cancellation under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
What about my information?
Your records sit in Splose, our practice system, and Microsoft 365. Access is limited to the staff who need it, and we don’t keep paper. Our privacy policy is on the site.
How do I complain?
In person, by phone on 1800 123 654, by email to feedback@beaconway.com.au, or through the feedback form, anonymously if you like. If you’re not happy with our answer, the NDIS Commission is on 1800 035 544.
Can I bring an advocate?
Yes, to any meeting. If you’d like one and don’t have one, we’ll help you find an independent advocate.
Make a referral when you’re ready, or call 1800 123 654 and talk it through first.