Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a structured approach that helps people with disabilities manage challenging behaviours and build positive skills. In Victoria, PBS is an approved NDIS support that can be included in a participant’s plan to promote independence, improve quality of life and reduce reliance on more intensive services. This guide explains who can use PBS, what it covers, how it is funded, and how families can access it.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is a proactive, person‑centred strategy that identifies the reasons behind a behaviour, teaches alternative responses and creates an environment that encourages positive choices. PBS teams usually consist of a behaviour analyst, a support worker, and the participant’s family or caregivers. The goal is to reduce incidents that may lead to injury or distress, and to increase the participant’s confidence and social participation.
Eligibility & Access Rules
To qualify for PBS under the NDIS, a participant must:
- Be aged 16 or older (or 15 for certain circumstances) and have a disability that causes significant behaviour challenges.
- Have a formal NDIS plan that lists PBS as a support category.
- Show that PBS is a reasonable and necessary part of their recovery or daily living.
Families should discuss PBS with their planner or support coordinator. If PBS is not already in the plan, the planner will assess its necessity and add it. PBS is funded under the Behaviour Support category, and the funding is limited by the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. These limits set the maximum amount that can be claimed for each service type, but no dollar amounts are disclosed in this article.
What’s Included and What’s Not Included
Included in PBS funding:
- Initial behaviour assessment and data collection.
- Development of a personalised behaviour support plan.
- Training for family members or carers on PBS techniques.
- Ongoing coaching and support for up to 20 hours per month, depending on plan design.
- Regular review meetings with the support team.
Excluded from PBS funding:
- Medical or therapeutic services such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
- Assistive technology that is not directly related to behaviour management.
- Travel costs unless they are part of a scheduled support session.
- Any service that does not fall under the approved PBS provider list.
Funding & Planning Considerations
When budgeting for PBS, families should keep the following in mind:
- Plan budgets are capped by the latest Pricing Arrangements; PBS funding cannot exceed the set limit.
- PBS can be combined with other supports such as daily living assistance, but the total must stay within the participant’s overall plan budget.
- Funding is disbursed through a service agreement between the participant and a registered PBS provider.
- Any unused PBS funds can be carried over to the next plan period if the participant’s needs remain unchanged.
It is essential to review the PBS plan annually to adjust hours or strategies as the participant’s needs evolve.
How to Request and Activate the Support
Step 1: Consult your planner or support coordinator to confirm that PBS is appropriate for your child or relative. Discuss the desired outcomes and how PBS fits into the overall plan.
Step 2: Identify a registered PBS provider in Victoria. Many providers also offer home care services; you may find suitable options through local directories or by visiting pages such as NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 35.
Step 3: Submit a formal request through the NDIS portal or via your planner. The request should include the support type, frequency, and the provider’s details.
Step 4: Sign the service agreement with the provider. This agreement will outline the hours, responsibilities, and funding limits.
Step 5: Begin the support sessions and maintain records of progress. Regular check‑ins with the planner will ensure the PBS remains aligned with the participant’s goals.
For families looking for broader home care options, additional resources can be found on pages like NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham 34 and NDIS Home Care in Wyndham 20.
Local Context: Victoria and Nearby Areas
Positive Behaviour Support is available across Victoria, with many providers operating in regional hubs and metropolitan areas. Families in the suburbs of Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico can access local PBS services that are tailored to the community’s needs. These areas often have community hubs where support workers collaborate with local schools, health services and community groups to create a seamless support network.
In Belgravia, for example, local support workers frequently partner with community centres to offer group activities that reinforce PBS strategies. Chelsea has a number of registered providers who specialise in early intervention, making it a suitable choice for families seeking to start PBS at a younger age. Pimlico’s providers often integrate technology, such as visual schedules, into PBS plans to enhance engagement.
Families are encouraged to explore local resources and contact their NDIS planner to identify the best match for their specific needs.
FAQs
What age groups can receive Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS?
Positive Behaviour Support is available for participants aged 16 and older. However, for certain circumstances involving younger participants, the NDIS may allow PBS if it is deemed essential for their well‑being.
Can PBS be combined with other supports in the same plan?
Yes. PBS can be included alongside daily living assistance, occupational therapy or community participation supports. The combined funding must not exceed the overall plan budget set by the NDIS.
How often does the PBS plan need to be reviewed?
Review frequency is determined by the planner, but it is common to conduct a review every six to twelve months to assess progress and adjust strategies.
Do I need to pay for PBS services out of pocket?
When PBS is included in the participant’s plan, the NDIS covers the cost up to the agreed funding limit. Any unused funds can be carried forward to the next plan period.
Where can I find a registered PBS provider near me?
Use the NDIS provider finder on the official website, or consult your planner for a list of local providers. Many providers also list their services on community pages such as the ones for Wyndham and Victoria.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.
