Authorisation of restrictive practices

The Department of Communities, in partnership with the disability sector, seeks to ensure the rights of people with disability are protected, and access to high quality services are safeguarded.

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), people with disability have the same rights as all people to equality, freedom, respect, choice and control, and to access support to make decisions and/or communicate their needs and choices. It is understood that restrictive practices can put a person’s human rights at risk.

A restrictive practice is any type of practice or intervention that limits the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. Restrictive practices are implemented for the safety of people with disability and/or people around them.

The choice to use a restrictive practice is a complex decision that must balance the needs of providing safety and protection with the impacts of restricting a person with disability’s rights and freedom.  

The Department of Communities has developed a policy on the use of restrictive practices in disability services called the ‘Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy’ (the Policy). The Policy applies to the use of restrictive practices in disability services funded either through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or by the State Government and took effect from 1 December 2020.

Important Update: The Procedure Guidelines for Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in NDIS Funded Disability Services (Stage Two) and the Quality Assurance Panel Outcome Summary Report form were updated in September 2023. The updated Procedure Guidelines and the Outcome Summary Report form (Appendix 2 of the Procedure Guidelines and effective from September 2023) are located under the Authorisation of restrictive practices resources webpage.

More information

• Join our mailing list to receive a regular Bulletin regarding the Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy in WA.
• Communities is offering free online information sessions to further the understanding and application of the Authorisation of Restrictive Practices in Funded Disability Services Policy in WA. Visit the Eventbrite page to register.