1Executive summary
Research purpose and questions
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
commissioned the Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, to review academic literature
about ways to reduce the use of restrictive practices on people with disability. The review was
guided by two research questions:
1. What alternatives to restrictive practices have an evidence base that demonstrates reduced
use and/or elimination of restricted practices on people with disability?
2. Is there an evidence base that demonstrates positive behaviour support plans, when used in
response to ‘behaviours of concern’, have resulted in a reduced use of restrictive practices
on people with disability?

Comprehensive, multi-level approaches are considered important for reducing and eliminating
the use of restrictive practices. Policies that strengthen community-based strategies to improve
home-based support and advocacy for individuals can help keep people with disability out of
clinical settings, such as hospitals or other institutions where restrictive practices are most
likely to be used. Changes are also needed in disability service provider organisations; data
and monitoring systems; in the workforce and frontline practice, and in the ways people with
disability are consulted and involved in making decisions about their lives. (From the Executive summary). Record #8376