Knowing how to get Positive Behaviour Support or PBS funding in your National Disability Insurance Scheme plan (NDIS) plan can feel like a difficult task. However, as the aim of Behaviour Support is to enhance a person’s quality of life, obtaining this funding is very important for individuals who may benefit from it. In this blog, we will explain the simplified process of obtaining funding for Positive Behaviour Support through the NDIS. At UDC, our goal is to ensure the people we support love their lives and live their dreams. We want to help you understand the NDIS and PBS to ensure you will receive the necessary funding in your plan.
What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an approach to behaviour support that aims to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. It involves understanding reasons behind challenging behaviours and implementing strategies to reduce these behaviours whilst promoting positive outcomes. In general, Positive Behaviour Support is funded under Improved Relationships in NDIS plans. This category falls under Capacity Building, which is a budget helping participants with independence, skill building and pursuing different goals.
Why do you need PBS funding in your NDIS plan?
Positive behaviour support focuses on discovering the underlying causes for challenging behaviours, which is done in consultation with the participant, their carers and families and any other relevant supports and networks. PBS funding is therefore essential for any NDIS participants experiencing challenging behaviours. This funding can help with:
- Achieving your NDIS goals: PBS support can help with building independence, improving social interactions, or improving everyday life and living skills.
- Reducing challenging behaviours: PBS funding can help with developing strategies to address these behaviours in a positive way. For example, this can lead to improved relationships with family, friends, and carers and enhanced emotional wellbeing and confidence.
- Creating long-term success: PBS is about creating sustainable strategies that help participants improve their quality of life long-term. With PBS funding, you can access expert guidance by qualified professionals who create customised plans based on your unique needs.
- Meeting NDIS Requirements for wellbeing: A Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) will ensure that you can access any necessary information, assistance and interventions required to ensure your safety in day-to-day life and reduce the need for Restrictive Practices.
Steps to Request PBS Funding in Your NDIS Plan
1. Understanding Your Needs and Goals
The first step in obtaining PBS funding in your NDIS plan is identifying the specific needs that require support. Behaviour Support funding generally appears under Improved Relationships funding in your NDIS plan. This means that your goals need to relate to:
- Managing emotions effectively
- Building stronger communication skills
- Enhancing behaviours and nurturing relationships
Establish clear, achievable goals that align with the individual’s aspirations and improve their overall wellbeing. For example, “I want to communicate effectively and interact confidently with others.” There may also be a need for conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the behaviours that need addressing and understand their underlying causes. At UDC, our experienced Behaviour Support Practitioners work closely with you, your family, carers and other providers to ensure a thorough understanding of your unique needs and goals.
2. Gathering Supporting Evidence
Once you have a clear understanding of the needs, the next step is to prepare for your NDIS planning meeting or plan review meeting. If you do not have the required funding in your plan, then a plan review may be requested. You should ensure you have sufficient evidence to support your need for PBS funding. This can include:
- Reports or assessments from relevant professionals, such as psychologists, behaviour support practitioners, or therapists.
- Evidence that clearly links PBS to your NDIS goals and demonstrates the need for funding.
If you already have a NDIS plan in place without added Behaviour Support funding, you can request a “Change of Circumstances” review with a Recommendations Letter for upcoming funding for Behaviour Support. If you need further assistance, contact the PBS Practitioners at UDC for more advice.
3. Consult Your Support Coordinator
Your Support Coordinator can help you find a suitable behaviour support practitioner once you have funding I place. If you still require funding to be added to your plan, your support coordinator can help you to write a report to the NDIS requesting the relevant Improved Relationships funding to be added to your plan. For this step, you would need the evidence gathered in step two to support your request.
4. Review and follow up
After your planning or plan review meeting, read through your updated NDIS plan carefully. Make sure PBS funding is listed under the correct section, typically under the Capacity Building Supports category.
Check the specific services that have been funded. For example, are the following included?
- Behaviour assessments.
- Development of a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP).
- Carer training and support services.
Ensure the amount allocated aligns with the services you discussed in your meeting. If something seems missing or incorrect, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact your support coordinator for clarification or if you are unsure of anything. Similarly, if your request is denied or partially approved, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or appeal the decision. The NDIS has a formal process for reviews and appeals, called an Internal Review of Reviewable Decisions.
5. Engage a Qualified Behaviour Support Practitioner
Once you have PBS funding in place you can engage a Behaviour Support Practitioner with the help of your support coordinator and the rest of your support team. To ensure you’re working with a qualified professional, it’s important to choose a registered NDIS provider. This means the practitioner is accredited and meets the NDIS’s quality and safety standards. At UDC, our registered and qualified BSPs utilise empathy and respect in their approach and believe that everyone deserves to lead a fulfilling life. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, working closely with you to develop and implement a plan that supports your independence, life choices and dreams.
When selecting a Behaviour Support Practitioner, it’s important to choose someone who has experience working with individuals who have similar needs or challenges. Some BSPs have specialties in specific areas, such as working with children, adults, or those with specific diagnoses (e.g., autism, intellectual disabilities). By engaging compassionate Behaviour Support Practitioner who aligns with your goals and values, you’re setting yourself up for a successful PBS journey. With the right professional support, you can achieve lasting positive outcomes and enhance your quality of life.
Need Assistance?
If you need help from a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner or have questions about the funding process, the Behaviour Support Team at UDC is here to support you. Contact us through our website or give us a call on 1300 454 850.
