Preamble
BigDog Support Services Pty Ltd (BigDog) is committed to the rights, safety, and well-being of clients at all times. This holistic approach includes working with clients who may display behaviours of concern, clients who pose a significant risk of serious harm to others and people diagnosed with mental health conditions.
BigDog uses a strengths-based approach to work with clients to understand their history, including:
a) their possible exposure to trauma;
b) their aspirations;
c) their range of knowledge and skills; and
d) the function or reason for their behaviour.
BigDog uses a positive behaviour support framework to work with the client and their support network to uphold their dignity and respect. BigDog recognises that all human behaviour serves a purpose, including those behaviours that are deemed to be behaviours of concern. BigDog provides support in an environment that enables the development, implementation, monitoring and review of holistic support strategies. These strategies take into consideration the context in which any behaviours of concern occur and the environments in which the person lives.
BigDog in principle does not support the use of restrictive practices. Where restrictive practices are necessary, BigDog works with a Specialist Behaviour Support Provider (SBSP) to develop a Behaviour Support Plan which complies with the legislation with the view towards safe elimination of restrictive interventions.
The primary focus of the BSP is to improve the quality of life of the client with a secondary focus on eliminating or reducing behaviours of concern.
Restrictive Practices (RP) approved for use are used in a way that is deemed least restrictive and only as a last resort
To ensure that there is a consistency in reporting, BigDog will only utilise CareMaster software for incident reporting and shift notes and BigDog designed behaviour recording and summary documentation.
5.2.1 Behaviour Support in the NDIS
Behaviour support is about creating individualised strategies for people with disability that are responsive to the person’s needs, in a way that reduces the occurrence and impact of behaviours of concern and minimises the use of restrictive practices.
Under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission), behaviour support focuses on person-centred interventions to address the underlying causes of behaviours of concern or challenging behaviours, while safeguarding the dignity and quality of life of people with disability who require specialist behaviour support.
The NDIS Commission behaviour support team is responsible for providing clinical leadership in behaviour support and promoting the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices.
Each client accesses behaviour support that is appropriate to their needs which incorporates evidence-informed practice and complies with relevant legislation and policy frameworks.
Knowledge and understanding of the NDIS and state and territory behaviour support legislative and policy frameworks.
Demonstrated appropriate knowledge and understanding of evidence-informed practice approaches to behaviour support.
Demonstrated commitment to reducing and eliminating restrictive practices through policies, procedures, and practices.
5.2.2 Regulated Restrictive Practices
Each client is only subject to a Regulated Restrictive Practice (RRP) that meets any state and territory authorisation (however described) requirements and the relevant requirements and safeguards outlined in Commonwealth legislation and policy.
Knowledge and understanding of regulated restrictive practices as described in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018 and knowledge and understanding of any relevant state or territory legislation and/or policy requirements and processes for obtaining authorisation (however described) for the use of any RRP included in a BSP.
Where state or territory legislation and/or policy requires authorisation (however described) to, the use of a RRP, such authorisation is obtained, and evidence submitted.
RRP is only used in accordance with a BSP, and all the requirements as prescribed in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018. Regulated restrictive practices are implemented, documented, and reported in a way that is compliant with relevant legislation and/or policy requirements.
Work is undertaken with SBSP to evaluate the effectiveness of current approaches aimed at reducing and eliminating RP, including the implementation of strategies in the BSP
Workers maintain the skills required to use RP and support the client and other stakeholders to understand the risks associated with the use of RP.
5.2.3 Supporting the Assessment and Development of Behaviour Support Plans
Each client’s quality of life is maintained and improved by tailored, evidence informed BSPs that are responsive to their needs.
The SBSP is supported to gather information for the functional behavioural assessment and other relevant assessments.
Collaboration occurs with the BSP to develop each client’s BSP and the clear identification of key responsibilities in implementing and reviewing the plan.
Relevant support workers have the necessary skills to inform the development of the client’s BSP.
Relevant support workers have access to appropriate training to enhance their skills in, and knowledge of, positive behaviour supports and restrictive practices.
Relevant workers have training to assist them in completing CareMaster incident reporting and shift notes as well as BigDog behaviour documentation.
5.2.4 Behaviour Support Plan Implementation
Each client’s BSP is implemented effectively to meet the client’s behaviour support needs. Procedures that support the implementation of BSPs are developed and maintained. Work is actively undertaken with the SBSP to implement each client’s BSP and to align support delivery with evidence-informed practice and positive behaviour support.
Workers are supported to develop and maintain the skills required to consistently implement the strategies in each client’s BSP consistent with the behaviour support skills descriptor.
Specialist behaviour support providers are supported to train the workers of the providers implementing behaviour support plans in the use and monitoring of behaviour support strategies in the behaviour support plan, including positive behaviour support.
Workers receive training in the safe use of restrictive practices. Collaboration is undertaken with other providers that work with the client to implement strategies in the client’s behaviour support plan.
Performance management ensures that workers are implementing strategies in the client’s behaviour support plan appropriately.
5.2.5 Monitoring and Reporting the Use of Restrictive Practices
Each client is only subject to a restrictive practice that is reported to the Commission.
Demonstrated compliance with monthly online reporting requirements in relation to the use of regulated restrictive practices, as prescribed in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.
Data is monitored to identify actions for improving outcomes.
Data is used to provide feedback to workers, and with the client’s consent, their support network, and their specialist behaviour support provider about the implementation of the behaviour support plan to inform the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices.
5.2.6 Behaviour Support Plan Review
Each client has a current BSP that reflects their needs, and works towards improving their quality of life, reducing behaviours of concern, and reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices.
The implementation of the client’s behaviour support plan is monitored through a combination of formal and informal approaches, including through feedback from the client, team meetings, data collection and record keeping on CareMaster reporting software or BigDog behaviour documentation, other feedback and supervision.
Information is recorded and data is collected as required by the specialist behaviour support provider and as prescribed in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.
Identification of circumstances where the client’s needs, situation or progress create a need for more frequent review, including if the client’s behaviour changes.
Contributions are made to the reviews of the strategies in a client’s behaviour support plan, with the primary focus of reducing or eliminating restrictive practices based on observed progress or positive changes in the client’s situation.
5.2.7 Reportable Incidents involving the Use of a Restrictive Practice
Each client that is subject to an emergency or unauthorised use of a restrictive practice has the use of that practice reported and reviewed.
The client’s immediate referral to, and assessment by a medical practitioner (where appropriate) is supported following an incident.
Collaboration is undertaken with mainstream service providers, such as police and/or other emergency services, mental health and emergency department, treating medical practitioners and other allied health clinicians, in responding to the unauthorised use of a restrictive practice.
The Commissioner is notified of all reportable incidents involving the use of an unauthorised restrictive practice in accordance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018.
Where an unauthorised restrictive practice has been used, the workers and management of providers implementing behaviour support plans engage in debriefing to identify areas for improvement and to inform further action. The outcomes of the debriefing are documented.
Based on the review of incidents, the supports to the client are adjusted, and where appropriate, the engagement of a specialist behaviour support provider is facilitated to develop or review the client’s behaviour support plan or interim behaviour support plan, if required, in accordance with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018.
Authorisation processes (however described) are initiated as required by their jurisdiction.
The client, and with the client’s consent, their support network, and other stakeholders as appropriate, are included in the review of incidents.
5.2.8 Interim Behaviour Support Plans
Each client with an immediate need for a behaviour support plan receives an interim behaviour support plan based on evidence-informed practice, which minimises risk to the client and others.
Collaboration is undertaken with mainstream service providers (such as police and/or other emergency services, mental health, and emergency departments, treating medical practitioners and other allied health clinicians) in contributing to an interim behaviour support plan developed by a specialist behaviour support provider.
Work is undertaken with the specialist behaviour support provider to support the development of the interim behaviour support plan.
Workers are supported and facilitated to receive training in the implementation of the interim behaviour support plan.
Relevant workers have training to assist them in completing CareMaster incident reporting and shift notes as well as BigDog behaviour documentation.
Procedures
Support Worker
The role of the worker is:
a) to ensure the daily safety and wellbeing of the client;
b) to use positive behaviour support and active support approaches when working with clients;
c) to increase the opportunities for the client to increase skills and personal development (such as education, recreation or recommended strategies), and coping skills, and report these increases against data for behaviours of concern and/or last resort restrictive interventions;
d) to report concerns, for further action and attention by a coordinator and where necessary escalate concerns if not addressed;
e) to support the client and their support network in order to develop and assist in the implementation of a BSP or support strategies based on a positive behaviour support framework;
f) to be accountable and accurately follow the required steps for growth in adaptive skill and communication alternatives, and all procedures recorded in any BSP;
g) to monitor and review any approved BSP or support strategies through the agreed documented approach and engagement with relevant stakeholders;
h) to report the use of RP through agreed organisational processes; and
i) to report the use of restrictive interventions (emergency) through BigDog processes.
Coordinator
The role of the coordinator is:
a) to provide on-the-job coaching, mentoring and support to workers in the carrying out of client plans to build coping skills and communication levels;
b) to source information and provide support to service delivery workers on issues relating to:
a. positive behaviour support;
b. restrictive practices;
c. supervised treatment orders; and
d. active support.
c) to respond to and follow through on concerns/incidents raised by the completion of corrective and preventative actions;
d) to support, initiate and action referrals to appropriate medical and allied health professionals;
e) to engage with the client and lead workers in the maintenance, monitoring and review of current plans through worker meetings that reflect recommendations and management strategies where indicated; and
f) to provide on-the-job coaching and mentoring to workers in relation to PBS, behaviours of concern, psychiatric supports, supervised treatment orders.
Coordinator of Behaviour Support Plans
The role of the Coordinator of BSP is:
a) consult with the client and key stakeholders in the development of BSP;
b) ensure that the need for any locked doors, windows, gates, cupboards or fridges and any restricted access to common areas is adequately evidenced by relevant assessments and that any restrictions are documented in a BSP including any strategies in place to reduce the restrictions overtime as well as strategies to reduce the impact of any restrictions that may affect other clients.
c) ensure that any restrictions affecting clients in residential services are outlined to those clients
d) notify the client in advance of the use of restrictive interventions, by an accessible communication format for that client, that a restrictive intervention has been approved for use and under what conditions; and
e) report the use of restrictive interventions.
Director
The role of a director is:
a) to regularly collect and report quality data to demonstrate increased opportunity, increased levels of adaptive skills and communication and related changes in expressions of behaviours of concern and/or restrictive interventions;
b) to demonstrate accurate data indicating growth in quality practitioner outcomes in delivering data-based client support, adherence to skill and communication building plans, adherence to positive behaviour support plans;
c) to promote positive behaviour support and active support through BigDog practices and policies;
d) to review and analyse aggregate related incident data and trends to identify strategies to safely eliminate the use of restrictive interventions, and to inform policy and practice improvement opportunities; and
e) to ensure that changes in relation to best practice for positive behaviour support are communicated and resourced throughout BigDog where identified.
Specialist Behaviour Support Providers
The role of the SBSP is:
a) to use best practice and contemporary approaches as part of an interdisciplinary team to assess, support and educate clients and support workers in relation to Health and Wellbeing; and
b) to assist the client to increase their quality of life and reduce behaviour of concern through assessment, consultation, monitoring and review as appropriate to role, as per relevant referral procedures.
Documentation and Reporting
In the event of an incident, the following documentation and reporting is necessary:
a) Record in CareMaster shift notes.
A worker must always complete a shift note to conclude a shift. Whilst completing the shift note, the worker must include any incident that occurred during the shift. If the incident was one of serious concern, the worker will need to mark the shift note as high importance.
b) Complete a CareMaster Incident report and submit.
Once a worker has recorded the incident in the shift note, the worker will need to formally report the incident by completing an incident report electronically on CareMaster The worker will need to include the following information into the report:
The incident type. (For example, injury to participant)
The incident category. (For example, minor injury)
Incident severity. (For example, minor)
Clients involved;
Workers involved;
Vehicle involved; and
Date and time incident occurred.
c) Complete an Incident Form.
a. A worker will also be required to complete a hard copy Incident Report Form in writing. The worker will need to include the following information into the report:
The parties involved. Including their age and relationship with the employee completing the report;
The incident. Including the date, day, time, location of the incident and the incident type;
The Injury. Including the name of the injured party, the nature of the injury, the location of the injury on the body, the cause of the injury and the required medical treatment. If there has been no injury sustained, there is no requirement to complete this section of the form;
The property damages. Including the location address, nature of the damage, who the report was made to and the type of damage. If there has been no damage to property, there is no requirement to complete this section of the form; and
The events, incident and causes. This section requires the worker to explain the incident in their own words, including as much information as they can.
b. Once the worker has completed and submitted the Incident Form, the coordinator will complete the section designated for them. The coordinator must provide their recommendations on how to handle the incident.
c. Once the coordinator has completed their section of the form, the director must provide their report on the incident on the form.
d. If the incident is to be reported to the NDIS Commission, this must be stated at the bottom of the report along with the ID number of the report and the 24 hour and 5-day report date.
e. If the incident is a consequence of a client’s behaviour, an ABC Form must be attached to the report.
d) Complete an ABC Form
a. An Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence Form, also known as an ABC Form, is a method for recording behaviour by recording what triggered the behaviour, the actual behaviour, and what happened afterwards as a result. For example: Antecedent (before) – a client misses a meal.
Behaviour (actual behaviour) – client throws chairs. Consequences (result of behaviour) – property damage.
b. ABC Forms are essential to establish what leads a client to behave in a certain manner, how often this behaviour may occur and can assist determining how to manage the behaviour.
c. The worker will need to complete the ABC Form by filling out what caused the behaviour, the actual behaviour (including what was said or done), what happened afterwards as a result, how the situation was de-escalated, the duration of the behaviour and if authorities were called.
e) Complete a Behaviour Record
a. The Behaviour Record essentially records the number of times a specific behaviour occurs and helps identify when a behaviour occurs during the day and whether different interventions are effective in reducing the behaviour.
b. The worker will need to include the following information into the record: The day and date;
The client’s behaviour/s against themselves;
The client’s behaviour/s against others; Whether the behaviour occurred at home or in the community and how many instances the behaviour occurred that day; and Any other areas of concern.
f) Update Behaviour Summary.
a. A Behaviour Summary is a scatter plot that considers all of a client’s behavioural incidents that occur during the year. The summary assists in identify patterns of behaviour by providing information about when and during what activities the behaviour occurs. The summary can help in identifying specific factors surrounding behavioural triggers that may increase or decrease
certain behaviours. For example, a client may be more prone to a certain behaviour when they are subjected to a noisy environment.
b. Once all reporting has been completed and the incident was a consequence of a client’s behaviour, the client’s behaviour summary will be updated to include the incident by the Coordinator of Behaviour Support Plans
Utilising BigDog documentation and software ensures that there is a consistency in worker reporting.
Summary
This policy applies to all BigDog clients who display or are at risk of displaying behaviours of concern, BigDog Directors, coordinators, workers, and volunteers who deliver services on behalf of BigDog, regardless of funding type.
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for coordinators, workers, and stakeholders in relation to:
The provision of behaviour support for clients who present with behaviours of concern;
The nature, circumstances and use of restrictive practice, with BigDog clients;
The promotion of positive behaviour support, a values-informed and evidence-based approach that focuses on improving quality of life, addressing the underlying causes of behaviours of concern, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of clients who require specialist behaviour support;
When a restrictive practice is used, the provision of positive behaviour support allows BigDog support workers to ensure that the support that they are offering to clients is planned, lawful, necessary, proportionate, and the least restrictive option reasonably available.
The Queensland Government, Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services is responsible for Restrictive Practices in Queensland. Our aim is to help all involved act appropriately in a safe manner to ensure effective responses in potential or actual difficult situations
Definitions
Any defined terms below are specific to this policy:
Applied Behaviour Analysis a systematic process for the development of interventions to address behaviours of concern. It is based upon the principles of learning theory. The focus is to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of behaviours of concern and their impact on quality of life. It proposes an observable relationship between the behaviour and the environment, including antecedents and consequences, which serve to reinforce or maintain the use of the behaviour or to make the behaviour more or less likely to occur in the future. Conducting a functional analysis, seeks to find out the “why” of the behaviour or what that behaviour may be “communicating”. This analysis is then used to develop a targeted intervention in order to reduce the reliance on the behaviour to communicate unmet needs
Behaviour of Concern the accepted definition of behaviour of concern currently in use by the Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability (ASSID) and the Australian Psychological Society.
“Any behaviour that is a barrier to a person participating in and contributing to their community (including both active and passive behaviours) that undermines, directly or indirectly, a person’s rights, dignity or quality of life, and poses a risk to the health and safety of a person and those with whom they live or work”.
This definition is:
a) Tangible where behaviours can be observed and measured; and
b) Dynamic where social and interactive elements are identified.
Comfort is an approach to support based on the recognition that the appearance of behaviours of concern is not a precondition to exerting increased levels of control over a person but rather the recognition that an environment where people are safe, valued, respected and honoured is critical to them maximising the quality of their life.
Communication is the behaviour by which a person expresses any aspect of themselves, interaction with others or the environment around them.
Forensic Orders and Treatment Support Orders
The Mental Health Act 2016 outlines a number of factors that an authorised doctor must have regard to, in making a decision to amend the category, conditions or the Limited Community Treatment (LCT) of a patient on a Forensic Order or Treatment Support Order.
Decisions about amending the LCT, category or conditions of an order must consider, amongst other things, the relevant circumstances of the patient.
LCT for patients’ subject to a Forensic Order (Criminal Code) must be approved by the Chief Psychiatrist.
Independent Person supports a client who has approved restrictive practices in their BSP, through the process of understanding the conditions outlined in their plan including any proposed restrictive practices. An independent person supporting a person with a disability to understand their BSP must not:
a) be an NDIS service provider or a representative of an NDIS service provider; and
b) have any interest in an NDIS service provider which is providing, or has provided, disability services to the person with a disability.
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based framework based on inclusion, applied behavioural analysis and person-centred values which has, as a primary goal, enhancing the quality of life of a person with a disability and a secondary goal of reducing behaviour of concern. It includes the systematic gathering of relevant information, conducting a functional behaviour assessment, designing support plans, implementation and ongoing evaluation. Immediate response strategies for the management of serious episodes of the behaviour are also addressed, but there is a belief that the best behaviour support happens when the behaviour is not happening; hence the strong emphasis on proactive strategies. Positive behaviour support is a multi-element approach which provides a clear values base, a defined process and a sense of how to work with a person who displays behaviours of concern.
It promotes:
a) comprehensive lifestyle change;
b) a lifespan perspective;
c) ecological validity;
d) stakeholder participation;
e) social validity;
f) systems change/multi-component intervention;
g) emphasis on prevention;
h) flexibility in scientific practices; and
i) multiple theoretical perspectives.
For positive behaviour support to be successful it requires:
a) Teamwork
b) seeing the person’s strengths and being committed to the person’s potential.
c) valuing the person and seeing the behaviour in context
d) an appreciation that all behaviours have a purpose; and
e) being positive.
Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is a document prepared in consultation with the client, their family, carers, and other support people that addresses the needs of the client identified as having complex behaviours of concern. The BSP contains values-based evidence-informed strategies and seeks to improve the person’s quality of life. A BSP can only be developed by practitioners who are considered suitable by the Commission to undertake functional behaviour assessments and develop behaviour support plans. They will be considered suitable pending assessment against the Positive Behaviour Capability Framework. Behaviour support practitioners must be registered with the NDIS to provide specialist behaviour support. At a minimum, any behaviour support plan that contains a regulated restrictive practice needs to be reviewed every 12 months or earlier if the client’s circumstances change. Behaviour support plans that do not contain a regulated restrictive practice do not need to be lodged with the NDIS Commission.
Regulated Restrictive Practice (RSP) involves any of the following:
a) Seclusion which is the sole confinement of a person with disability in a room or a physical space at any hour of the day or night where voluntary exit is prevented, or not facilitated, or it is implied that voluntary exit is not permitted;
b) Chemical restraint which is the use of medication or chemical substance for the primary purpose of influencing a client’s behaviour. It does not include the use of medication prescribed by a medical practitioner for the treatment of, or to enable treatment of, a diagnosed mental disorder, a physical illness or a physical condition;
c) Mechanical restraint which is the use of a device to prevent, restrict, or subdue a client’s movement for the primary purpose of influencing a person’s behaviour but does not include the use of devices for therapeutic or non-behavioural purposes;
d) Physical restraint which is the use or action of physical force to prevent, restrict or subdue movement of a client’s body, or part of their body, for the primary purpose of influencing their behaviour. Physical restraint does not include the use of a hands-on technique in a reflexive way to guide or redirect a person away from potential harm/injury, consistent with what could reasonably be considered the exercise of care towards a person.
e) Environmental restraint which restricts a client’s free access to all parts of their environment, including items or activities.
Social Inclusion is to value all clients, respect their differences and meet their basic needs, enabling clients to live in dignity. Social inclusion provides a client with access to social, economic, political, and cultural systems which contribute to the integration of a person into the community. The values that underpin social inclusion :
a) everyone is ready no one must pass a test or meet a set of criteria before being included.
b) everyone can learn as human beings you grow and change and make mistakes and are all capable of learning.
c) everyone needs support sometimes some of us need more support than others.
d) everyone can communicate not using words doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to say.
e) everyone can contribute need to recognise, encourage and value each person’s contributions including your own.
f) together we are better not dreaming of a world where everyone is like us - difference is your most important renewable resource.
Skill is any measured increase in capability to make a behavioural response that is adapted to, and in accord with the usual requirements of any cue that occurs in relation to any person.
Supporting Documents Policies
5.3.9 Restrictive Practices
5.3.10 Eliminating Restrictive Practices Forms
ABC Form
Behaviour Record
Behaviour Summary
CareMaster Incident Report
CareMaster Shift Note
Incident Report Form
Restrictive Practice Identification Tool
Restrictive Practices Support Plan
Information Sheets
Authorising Restrictive Practices
Forensic Orders and Treatment Support Orders
PBS Process for Support Providers
Restrictive Practice Steps
Your Introduction to Behaviour Support
NGO Training
NDIS Quality and Safeguard Framework
Individualised PBSP Training
Positive Behaviour Support Part 1
Positive Behaviour Support Part 2
Positive Behaviour Support Part 3
Personality Disorder
Schizophrenia Part 1
Schizophrenia Part 2
Legislation
Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 and policy review process included.
Mental Health Act 2016 (QLD)
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Incident Management and Reportable Incidents) Rules 2018
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018
NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators
BigDog Support Services Pty Ltd (BigDog) is a registered NDIS provider and is required to apply the scheme’s practice standard and quality indicators.
The standards have been developed to create an important benchmark to assess provider performance and ensure that high quality and safe supports and services are provided to NDIS participants.
The four core modules are:
1.0 Rights and Responsibilities;
2.0 Governance and Operational Management;
3.0 The Provision of Supports; and
4.0 The Support Provision Environment.
The supplementary modules cover:
5.0 Specialist Support
5.1 High intensity daily personal activities
5.3 Implementing behaviour support plans.
5.3 Implementing Behaviour Support Plans
These NDIS Practice Standards apply to NDIS providers who are registered to provide specialist behaviour support to NDIS participants. They also apply to providers using restrictive practices in the delivery of any NDIS supports and services.
Human Services Quality Standards
The Standards set a benchmark for the quality of service provision. Each Standard is supported by a set of performance indicators which outline what BigDog is required to demonstrate to meet that standard.
3 Responding to Individual Need
The assessed needs of the individual are being appropriately addressed and responded to within resource capacity.
3.3 BigDog ensures that services to the individual/s are delivered, monitored, reviewed and reassessed in a timely manner.
3.4 BigDog has partnerships and collaborates to enable it to effectively work with community support networks, other organisations and government agencies as relevant and appropriate.
4 Safety, Wellbeing and Rights
The safety, wellbeing and human and legal rights of people using BigDog services are protected and promoted.
4.1 BigDog provides services in a manner that upholds people’s human and legal rights.
4.2 BigDog proactively prevents, identifies and responds to risks to the safety and wellbeing of people using services.
4.3 BigDog has processes for reporting and responding to potential or actual harm, abuse and/or neglect that may occur for people using services.
Delegation of Authority
Name Position Details
Steven Paull Director
Courtney Carroll Director
Authorise review and implementation
Authorise review and implementation
David Burrett Operations Manager Ensure information dissemination
Monique Paull HR Manager Lawyer Ensure compliance by employees
Version Details
This policy will be reviewed every twelve (12) months unless circumstances deem it necessary to review earlier. The review process will involve an analysis of the usefulness of the policy and to note any changes which are required to improve the policy. If minor changes are made in wording or to clarify the intent, the version number will indicate this by adding a ‘point’ i.e. Version 1.0 indicates the original version and 1.1 with the first round of minor changes made. A significant change or intent of the policy will be indicated by a whole new number i.e. Version 2.0.
The following rules also apply in interpreting this policy:
• Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
• A singular word includes the plural and vice versa.
• A word that suggests one gender includes the other genders. Date
Updated Responsible Officers details
Changed ‘the director’ to ‘the directors’ Introduction of BigDog Training Portal and modules
January 2022
5.2
Updated responsible officers.
Documentation and reporting updated.
NGO Individualised BSP training introduced. BSP saved on NGO for access by the support staff.
April 2023
January 2023
January 2024
April 2024
5.3
6.0
6.1
6.2
Updated responsible officers.
Procedures included in Policy document
Replaced ‘participant’ with ‘client’ to reflect HSQS. Included new NGO Training Program – Restrictive Practices
Disability Services Act 1986 replaced with Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 and policy review process included.
Updated to new Queensland Government, Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services. Included HSQS