Understanding Interim/Initial Behaviour Support Plans

When it comes to supporting participants with complex needs, especially where restrictive practices are involved, an Interim Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) serves as a crucial, short-term strategy to ensure immediate safety and well-being. These plans are essential when restrictive practices, such as the use of physical restraints, are required for managing significant risks to the participant or others. Below, we’ll explore the purpose, process, and structure of an Interim BSP to give you a clearer understanding of how it works.

What is the Purpose of an Interim BSP?

The purpose of an Interim BSP is to provide a quick, clear, and safe response to address behaviours of concern while laying the foundation for a more comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan in the future. It ensures the immediate safety of the participant and those around them and includes detailed protocols for any restrictive practices in use. These plans are temporary and valid for up to six months.

Key Characteristics of an Interim BSP:

1. Quick and Brief: Designed to be developed and implemented within 30 days of engagement.
2. Clear and Safe: Includes straightforward strategies and protocols to address urgent safety concerns.
3. Foundation for Future Plans: Serves as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive BSP, which is developed within six months.

What’s Included in an Interim BSP?

An Interim BSP focuses on addressing immediate needs and includes essential components:

1. Participant and Guardian Details: Basic information about the participant and their guardian or nominee.
2. Participant Overview: A person-centred introduction, highlighting the participant’s strengths, interests, and context.
3. Behaviours of Concern: Detailed descriptions of behaviours, including type, intensity, triggers, and hypothesised functions.
4. Restrictive Practices: Specific details about the restrictive practices being used, protocols for implementation, and strategies for monitoring and reducing their use.
5. Strategies: Proactive and reactive strategies to manage behaviours and enhance quality of life.
6. Implementation and Monitoring: Outlines who will implement the plan, training requirements, and monitoring procedures.

Example: How an Interim BSP Works

Take the case of Josiah, an 8-year-old participant who experiences distress in noisy and crowded environments, leading to self-injurious behaviour like head-banging. To ensure their safety:

• A protocol was developed for using a helmet during instances of head-banging.
• Staff and family were trained in the protocol, ensuring consistency in its application.
• Visual aids were used to involve Samira and help her understand the helmet’s purpose.

This Interim BSP ensured Josiah’s immediate safety while additional assessments, such as an occupational therapy review, were initiated to explore long-term strategies.

Why Are Interim BSPs Necessary?

Interim BSPs are essential for ensuring the safety and dignity of participants while respecting their rights. They provide a structured, evidence-based approach to managing challenging behaviours in the short term, while laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term solutions.

At Insight PBS, we are committed to developing high-quality Interim and Comprehensive BSPs that align with the NDIS framework and uphold the rights and well-being of participants. If you’d like to learn more about how Interim BSPs can benefit participants and their care teams, feel free to reach out to our team.

What is the difference between an Interim BSP and a Comprehensive BSP?

An Interim BSP is a short-term, foundational plan designed to address urgent behaviours of concern and immediate safety needs. It is developed within 30 days of engagement and is valid for up to six months. A Comprehensive BSP, on the other hand, is a long-term, in-depth plan that includes a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) and detailed strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and restrictive practices. Comprehensive BSPs are typically developed within six months of engagement.

Who is responsible for creating an Interim BSP?

Only an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner can develop an Interim BSP. These practitioners work closely with the participant, their family, carers, and other stakeholders to ensure the plan is person-centred, evidence-based, and compliant with NDIS guidelines.

What happens if restrictive practices are already in use?

If restrictive practices are in place, they must be reported immediately and documented in the Interim BSP. The plan must include clear protocols for using the restrictive practice, as well as strategies for monitoring and reducing its use over time. These practices must also comply with state and territory laws and be lodged with the NDIS Commission.

What happens if funding is insufficient to develop a Comprehensive BSP?

When funding is limited, an Interim BSP can be used as a temporary solution. Additionally, the behaviour support practitioner can prepare an additional funding request letter to secure the resources needed for a Comprehensive BSP.

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