A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBS plan) is a structured, person-centred strategy designed to reduce behaviours of concern and build new, positive skills. It’s a key part of Positive Behaviour Support and is especially important for individuals with disabilities who may display behaviors of concern.
At Everyday Independence, we work closely with NDIS participants and their support networks to create tailored Positive Behaviour Support Plans that promote safety, dignity, independence, and participation in everyday life.
Read this comprehensive guide to understand:
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan is an evidence-based tool used to identify, prevent, and manage behaviours of concern. It outlines practical strategies to support a person’s development, improve quality of life, and reduce the need for restrictive practices. These plans are developed by NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioners in collaboration with the participant and their support team.
PBS plans are based on the principles of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, ensuring all supports are consistent, person-centred, and uphold the rights of individuals with disability.
These plans are not just documents—they’re dynamic, evolving tools that help create supportive environments and stronger, more connected relationships between the participant and their support network.
A well-developed PBS plan:
Promotes safety and predictability through consistent support strategies
Encourages skill-building and independence
Reduces reliance on restrictive practices
Improves quality of life across home, school, work, and community settings
By focusing on proactive and preventative strategies, Positive Behaviour Support Plans help individuals feel understood, reduce emotional escalation, and create pathways to more positive interactions and relationships.
If restrictive practices are currently in use, an interim Positive Behaviour Support Plan is required within 30 days of assessment to ensure immediate safeguards and support.
Every PBS plan includes:
The plan also outlines how strategies will be delivered across different environments such as school, community settings, or supported accommodation. This ensures consistency, which is critical for behaviour change.
There are two main types of PBS plans under the NDIS:
The choice between an interim and comprehensive plan depends on the participant’s needs, risks, and current supports in place. Both plans must follow the NDIS guidelines and can only be developed by qualified practitioners.
Creating a PBS plan involves four steps:
A behaviour support practitioner meets with the participant, family, and key supports to understand:
This stage may also include interviews with support workers, teachers, or allied health practitioners already working with the participant.
A detailed analysis of the behaviour’s function such as escape, seeking interaction, or sensory needs is completed. The practitioner identifies targeted supports to increase positive behaviours and reduce behaviours of concern.
This process often includes direct observation, review of incident reports, and collaboration with others in the support network to build a clear picture of the person’s experiences and needs.
The PBS plan is created, shared, and implemented across the person’s environments—home, school, work, and community. Consistent use across all settings is key to achieving outcomes.
Practitioners also ensure that all team members are trained and confident in using the plan, and will monitor whether strategies are working as intended.
The plan is reviewed regularly, and adjustments are made as needed. Outcome reports track progress, highlight barriers, and inform future NDIS planning.
This step ensures that the plan evolves as the person builds new skills or as their needs and circumstances change. It’s also critical for demonstrating value to the NDIS in future funding reviews.
Restrictive practices limit a person’s freedom or rights, often used as a last resort for safety. These may include:
A PBS plan that includes restrictive practices must clearly justify their use and include proactive strategies to reduce or eliminate them over time. The use of any restrictive practices must be authorised, monitored, and reduced wherever possible to ensure the person’s rights are upheld.
A positive behaviour support plan must be written by a qualified behaviour support practitioner as defined by the Positive Behaviour Capability Framework. The plan is developed in consultation with:
At Everyday Independence, our behaviour support practitioners take a person-centred and team based approach. We get to know you, your family, and your support network so we can develop strategies that:
You may be able to create a Positive Behaviour Support Plan with your Improved Relationships funding. For participants with moderate behaviours of concern and no specific behaviour support funding, our team can also support you using Improved Daily Living funding through structured behaviour support programs.
If you’re ready to develop a Positive Behaviour Support Plan with us, complete our online referral form and a member of our team will contact you shortly.
[1] NDIS, 2024. Understanding Behavioural Support and Restrictive Practices. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/participants/incidents-and-behaviour-support/understanding-behaviour-support-and-restrictive practices
A Positive Behaviour Support Plan (PBS Plan) is a tailored document that outlines strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and promote skill-building. It helps people with disability participate more fully in everyday life.
PBS plans are written by registered behaviour support practitioners who meet the NDIS Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework. They work closely with the participant and their support team.
An interim plan must be developed within 30 days if restrictive practices are used. A comprehensive PBS plan can take between 6 to 12 months, depending on the participant’s needs and assessment process.
PBS plans are funded under Improved Relationships in your NDIS plan. Some participants may also access support using Improved Daily Living funding for moderate behavioural needs.
An interim PBS plan provides immediate strategies to manage behaviours when restrictive practices are in place. A comprehensive plan involves deeper assessment and long-term strategies to reduce behaviours of concern and promote independence.
Restrictive practices include interventions that limit a person’s rights or movement, such as physical restraint or seclusion. A PBS plan aims to reduce or eliminate these by offering safer, proactive alternatives.
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