What are restrictive practices?

A restrictive practice is anything that restricts a person's rights or freedom of movement.

That includes things like:

physical holds
locked doors or cupboards
restricting access to food
medication used to manage behaviour rather than treat a health condition.

Some of these are regulated under the NDIS, with specific requirements around authorisation and reporting.

Living room and kitchen with pool fence separating the rooms

Restrictive practices aren't always obvious

Something that looks like a normal safety measure can sometimes meet the definition of a regulated restrictive practice, so if you're ever unsure whether something counts, ask. Every plan actively screens for restrictive practices from the start, and where one is identified, the focus is on authorisation, monitoring, and working toward reducing or eliminating it wherever possible.