In this bulletin, we look at making sure people get the best quality supports.

When a person gets the best quality supports, they are less likely to have behaviours of concern.

Behaviours of concern are things someone does that might put:

• themselves in danger
• other people in danger.

This means providers might not need to use restrictive practices with the person.

Providing the best quality supports includes checks to make sure supports are meeting the needs of the:

• person who needs support
• people who support them.

It is important to work together with:

• the person who needs support
• other important people in their life.

This includes when you:

• work out what supports a person needs

• check to make sure the supports are working well.

Working together helps to make sure:

• the person can get the supports they need

• the supports will work well in the environment around them

• the people around them can provide these supports.

It is important to check a person’s supports often.

This is because the type of support that someone needs can change.

You should try to find ways to check a person’s supports that:

• includes everyone who is involved

• focuses on making sure the person is getting the support they need to live a good life.

It is also important that managers in disability organisations:

• understand what the best quality supports include

• share what they know with the other staff in their organisation.