The Restrictive Practices Authorisation scheme was created to implement new laws that provide safeguards for people with a disability. The new laws are designed for the South Australian disability sector and are about the authorisation of regulated restrictive practices.
The Disability Inclusion (Restrictive Practices – NDIS) Amendment Act 2021 and Disability Inclusion (Restrictive Practices – NDIS) Regulations 2021 set out the roles, processes, and criteria for the authorisation of regulated restrictive practices.
Registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) service providers must follow these laws if they need to use regulated restrictive practices for NDIS participants in South Australia.
The Restrictive Practice Guidelines support the new laws and are designed to help NDIS service providers comply with the new laws and regulations.
The purpose of the scheme
The purpose of the Restrictive Practices Authorisation scheme is to:
- protect the rights of people with disability
- reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive practices where possible
- place rules around the use of regulated restrictive practices.
The rights of people with disability are written in the:
- United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006
- Disability Inclusion Act 2018.
The South Australian Government has committed to the National Framework for Reducing and Eliminating the Use of Restrictive Practices in the Disability Service Sector. This national approach means that people with disability will receive the same care and safety from NDIS service providers wherever they live in Australia.
Who is affected by the scheme
The Restrictive Practices Authorisation scheme is for people who are directly involved with the NDIS, including:
- registered NDIS service providers
- NDIS participants, both children and adults.
NDIS service providers
NDIS service providers must use this scheme to apply for and get authorisation to use regulated restrictive practices in South Australia with NDIS participants.
People with a disability
People with disability who may experience restrictive practices should know about this scheme. NDIS participants are entitled to be a part of decisions about their care. This includes:
- providing input into decisions about regulated restrictive practices
- having their views considered
- involving family and people who are important to them.
People who care for a person with a disability
People who care for, support and provide services to a person with a disability should know about this scheme. This includes:
- family members
- informal networks
- supporting services
- disability sector.