Regulated Restrictive Practices in Western Australia | Article

A ‘restrictive practice’ is any kind of help or action that limits the freedom or rights of a person with a disability.

Restrictive practices are actions taken to keep people safe when someone with a disability is showing challenging behaviour. If necessary, these practices should follow these guidelines:

Types of Regulated Restrictive Practices

There are five types of regulated actions that may limit a person’s rights or freedom of movement and can be used in specific situations.

1. Seclusion

Seclusion means putting someone in a room or area where they can’t leave, or they think they can’t leave. But it’s important to note that seclusion doesn’t include someone who wants to be alone in their room and can come out whenever they want. It also doesn’t include someone who locks their door for privacy, as long as they can unlock it and leave when they choose to.

2. Chemical Restraint

Chemical restraint is using medicine or chemicals to control someone’s behaviour or movement. This doesn’t include taking medicine prescribed by a doctor to treat a mental or physical condition.

3. Physical Restraint

Physical restraint refers to using physical force to limit or control a person’s movement in order to modify their behaviour. Examples of physical restraint include holding a person’s body to prevent a behaviour, such as holding their hand to stop them from pulling their hair or guiding a person to move in a specific direction. However, it does not include providing physical assistance to help a person complete their daily living activities safely, such as helping them dress or brush their teeth.

4. Mechanical Restraint

Mechanical restraint means using a device to stop a person from moving, to limit their movement, or to control their behaviour. This does not include devices used for medical treatment.

5. Environmental Restraint

Environmental restraint means limiting a person’s ability to move freely in their surroundings or access certain things or activities. This can include things like locking doors or cupboards that a person cannot open.

Prohibited Practices

Some forms of restrictive practice can be very harmful and should never be used. These are called ‘prohibited practices’ and include physical restraints like holding a person down, as well as punishments that involve denying someone’s needs or access to their culture. These practices can cause harm or even death. It is important to use the least restrictive methods possible and only when necessary to keep everyone safe.

Refer to the restrictive practices resources page for more information.

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