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What is an Interim Behaviour Support Plan?

A short-term plan for safety while the full assessment is done, usually within the first month.

By Meg Hughes, Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner ยท Updated October 2026

A practitioner listening with care to a worried parent in a calm lounge room

An Interim Behaviour Support Plan is a short-term plan that gives early, practical guidance while the full Functional Behaviour Assessment is underway. It focuses on keeping the person and the people around them safe.

When an interim plan is needed

An interim plan is usually needed when there are immediate safety risks, or when a restrictive practice is already being used. Under NDIS rules, where one is needed it should be developed within one month of the practitioner being engaged.

What it covers

  • A short description of the person and the behaviours of concern
  • Early warning signs and known triggers
  • Practical ways to prevent distress building
  • Safe responses when behaviours occur
  • Any restrictive practices in use, with safeguards
  • Who to contact and when

How it differs from a comprehensive plan

An interim plan is based on the information available early on. It is deliberately simple. The comprehensive Behaviour Support Plan comes later, built on the full assessment, with a fuller picture of why behaviours happen and a longer-term plan to build skills and quality of life.

What families can expect

We will talk with you about what is happening now, what helps and what feels unsafe. You will get clear, simple strategies you can use straight away, and we will keep working with you while the assessment continues.

This guide is general information only. It is not medical or legal advice. Talk with us about your situation.

Talk with us

Call 1800 246 808 or our Broome office on 08 9129 4914, or send a referral and we will be in touch.