link to page 1 link to page 3 link to page 6 link to page 7 Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 1
Our guideline - Short Term Accommodation or
Respite
Quick summary: Short Term Accommodation, including respite, is funding for support and
accommodation for a short time away from your usual home. It covers the cost of your care
in another place for up to 14 days at a time. You might have a short stay with other people,
or by yourself. It’s often funded when your usual carers aren’t available, or for you to try new
things.
On this page:
• What is Short Term Accommodation, including respite?
• How do we make decisions about Short Term Accommodation?
• How do you get Short Term Accommodation in your plan?
We have separate pages for:
• Medium Term Accommodation
• Supported Independent Living1
• Home and living
What is Short Term Accommodation, including respite?
Short Term Accommodation, including respite, is support for when you need to live out of
home for a short period.
Short Term Accommodation funding can be used for respite to support you and your carers.
This gives your carers a short break from their caring role.
Sometimes a short stay away from home:
• gives you the chance to try new things
• can be a place to make new friends or develop new skil s
• may help to maintain your current living situation by giving your informal supports a
break.
Short Term Accommodation may suit your needs if your usual support network isn’t available
for a short period.
Page 1 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Short Term Accommodation includes:
• personal care
• accommodation
• food
• activities you and the provider agree to.
Usually, we fund up to 28 days of Short Term Accommodation per year. You can use your
Short Term Accommodation funding flexibly. For example, you might want to use it in a block
of up to 14 days at a time or for one weekend a month.
We fund standard rates for Short Term Accommodation. You can find the rates in the NDIS
pricing arrangements and price limits.
Generally funding is for a group price, unless there is evidence you require individual support
because of your disability. This means you may share supports with other people unless you
need individual support because of your disability.
If you already have funding in your Core budget, you can use this for Short Term
Accommodation.
You can choose to use your Core budget on a range of supports like Short Term
Accommodation to suit your needs. You should think about the best way to use your budget
to pursue the goals in your plan.
Learn more about using your plan.
If you need short term out of home care talk to your support coordinator, local area
coordinator, early childhood partner or planner.
We may fund other supports if you need longer term accommodation support. For example,
we might fund Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) or other supports depending upon your
support needs.
Learn more here: Home and living and medium term accommodation.
Page 2 of 56

link to page 5 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
How do we make decisions about Short Term
Accommodation?
All NDIS supports need to meet the NDIS funding criteria.
When we think about Short Term Accommodation we need to know:
• the need for Short Term Accommodation is related to your disability
• it helps you pursue your goals
• it helps you to participate in the community
• it’s value for money
• how much support your family and other informal supports provide.
Is the Short Term Accommodation related to your disability?
We can only fund Short Term Accommodation if it relates to your disability support needs.
We may fund Short Term
We wouldn’t fund Short Term
Accommodation if:
Accommodation for:
• your family or informal supports can
• longer term accommodation as this is a
support you for longer2
day to day living cost that anyone is
• you might not need as much support in
expected to pay
the future3
• accommodation for another reason, for
• it helps you maintain functional capacity
example waiting for home modifications
to be done.
• it helps you increase your
independence4
• it helps you do more activities5
We consider other factors when funding Short Term Accommodation for children. Learn
more about this in the section what about short term accommodation for children?
Short Term Accommodation is not for holidays. We only fund Short Term Accommodation
when the need for this is related to your disability, such as for respite or skil building. Talk to
your support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if you’re
going on holiday and need your disability support delivered in another location.
Page 3 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Does Short Term Accommodation help you pursue your goals?
Short Term Accommodation needs to support you to pursue your goals. This might be
something like increasing your independence or building your skil s, which may also result in
carers having a break.
Learn more about setting goals.
Does Short Term Accommodation help you to participate in the
community?
We need to understand how Short Term Accommodation wil  help you participate in the
community. For example, it might help you meet new people and develop your
independence or social skil s.
Is Short Term Accommodation value for money?
One of the things we look at is “value for money.” This means we think about the cost of
Short Term Accommodation and how it wil  benefit you over time.
We think about whether you can share supports with other people. And how many people
you can safely share your supports with. This helps us decide what level of support for Short
Term Accommodation we fund in your plan.
Usually, we don’t fund individual supports in a Short Term Accommodation setting. You
should think about this when exploring Short Term Accommodation options to decide what is
most suitable for you.
Do we expect family and informal supports to provide care for you?
When deciding what supports we may fund we also think about your informal supports.
Informal supports are your family, friends, and community networks who support you. We
consider if they’re able to continue to support you in the long term.
We’l  also think about if we might fund other things that can help support your carers. We
may fund Short Term Accommodation with other supports that provide a respite effect, and
help your carers keep supporting you in the long term. This may include:
• support to access the community
• in home care and support
• capacity building supports.
We’l  consider the risk to you and your family’s wellbeing if they continue to support you
(without Short Term Accommodation). We also look at how the support provided by your
Page 4 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
family and networks affects your independence. We compare this to the independence and
opportunities Short Term Accommodation may provide.
We’l  also consider the role and responsibility of parents in caring for children.
What about Short Term Accommodation for children?
We may fund Short Term Accommodation for children if it meets the NDIS funding criteria. It
depends on the child’s needs and their family, or carers. We’l  consider the whole family
situation. We’l  also talk to parents and children about other funded supports that may also
be available to help.
We might fund Short Term Accommodation for children who need much more support than
other children their age. For example, parents usually help young children with toileting, but
we don’t expect this for a teenager or adult without a disability.
We can provide funding for other supports as well as Short Term Accommodation. This may
help families to:
• support a child in the long term
• maintain your family situation.
Other supports might include:
• support in your home
• training to carry out a behaviour support plan or build capacity in other areas. For
example, this might help parents support their child in creating a sleep routine
• community access to help you socialise and interact with your community
• help to supervise behaviours of concern or support positive behaviour strategies.
What about supports for children at risk of needing accommodation outside the family
home?
We may fund more than 28 days per year if children are at risk of going to residential care.
We won’t fund more than 30 days at a time or more than 60 days per year.
But first we’l  look at what mix of supports might help a child and family to stay together. For
example, this may include:
• Short Term Accommodation including respite
• personal care in your home
• supports to access the community
• supports to help manage behaviours of concern
Page 5 of 56

link to page 3 link to page 7 Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
• home modifications in your family home.
You may be able to get help from the child protection service in your state as well as the
support through us. The supports may be different depending on the state or territory you
live in.
How do you get Short Term Accommodation in your
plan?
Remember, you may not need funding for Short Term Accommodation put into your plan.
You can choose to use your Core budget on supports like Short Term Accommodation if it
helps you pursue your goals. Learn more about using your plan.
Talk to your support coordinator, local area coordinator, early childhood partner or planner if
you’d like to learn more about Short Term Accommodation.
You can ask for a change to your plan if your situation has changed. Or, if you think your
current plan doesn’t have the Short Term Accommodation support you need.6 Learn more
about changing your plan.
Can you use Short Term Accommodation in a crisis situation?
Short Term Accommodation is not for housing crisis situations. Short Term Accommodation
can only be funded where the need relates directly to your disability. Learn more about
disability related supports at is Short Term Accommodation related to your disability?
If you’re homeless or need somewhere to live you can contact homeless services in your
state or territory. You can learn about supports available through Homelessness Australia.
Sometimes a crisis can occur such as your carers suddenly can’t care for you. Or you’re at
risk of harm in your current home. We can help you work out the best option to meet your
disability support needs. Contact your support coordinator, local area coordinator, early
childhood partner or planner for more information.
Page 6 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Reference list
2 NDIS (Supports for Participants) Rules r 3.1(b)(ii)(A).
3 NDIS (Supports for Participants) Rules r 3.1(c).
4 NDIS Act s 34(1)(b).
5 NDIS Act s 34(1)(b).
6 NDIS Act ss47A(2); 48(2)
Page 7 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 2
Record carers information
SGP KP Publishing
Exported on 2025-01-22 05:33:36
Page 8 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Table of Contents
1  Recent updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
2  Before you start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
3  Understand the carer questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4  What is support coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5  Record carers information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
6  Next steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Page 9 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
This article provides guidance for a local area coordinator, early childhood partner and all
NDIA staff (planner, payment officer, internal review officer, complaints officer,
participant service officer, access officer, quality officer, technical advisor, SDA officer,
NCC officer, provider support) to:
•
record a person’s informal supports information.
Page 10 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
1 Recent updates
October 2023
Current guidance.
Page 11 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
2 Before you start
You have:
•
read and understood Our Guidelines – Mainstream and community supports
•
read article Complete personal and environmental circumstances
•
read article Create Personal and Environmental Circumstances case
•
read article Record support coordination information
•
read Guide - Conversation style guide.
Page 12 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
3 Understand the carer questions
What are informal supports
Informal supports are the ways family and friends, peer networks or people in the community
help a person with disability. These supports can be important for people with disability in
keeping them safe and well. They provide emotional support or help with participating in work,
study, or social outings.
We don’t fund informal supports. Supports we do fund wil often work alongside informal
supports.
Sometimes the friends or family who support a person with disability may not be available. The
person may also want some time apart. We can help in these situations like funding short
breaks, which we also call respite care.
Informal supports, for example friends, family, neighbours, and workmates, are different to
community supports or mainstream supports. Examples of community supports include sporting
clubs or community groups. Examples of mainstream supports include health professionals or
education providers.
Page 13 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
4 What is support coordination
Go to article, Record support coordination information.
Page 14 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5 Record carers information
Ask the person the Carers questions in the Personal and Environmental Circumstances
case and record their answer.
Note: Don’t read the response options to the person out loud. Listen carefully to their answers.
You may need to select the most appropriate option for each question.
Use your interpersonal skil s in a guided conversation to seek answers to each question.
Explain to the person we need the right information before we make an eligibility decision.
You must record a response for each mandatory field marked with an asterisk. Then select
Next to continue.
Note: The PEC case Steps and questions are dynamic and may change. This wil depend on
the person’s situation and age, as well as the response options selected for some questions.
Page 15 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
6 Next steps
There are no further steps.
Page 16 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 3
The contents of this document are OFFICIAL.
Understand and check plan comments
Guidance in this document is not approved for use unless you view it in PACE.
This article provides guidance for a planner delegate, planner (non-partnered area) or review
officer to:
• understand plan comments
• check plan comments
• action plan comments.
Recent updates
3 October 2024
• Included new wound and pressure care plan comment in Consumables plan
comments section
• Updated links to access plan comments for online shared supports in SDA.
Before you start
You have added or updated a support in a plan approval, plan change or participant budget
update case.
To add or update a support category for a:
• Plan Approval case, use article Change the draft budget
• Participant Budget Update or Plan Change case, use article Action a budget
update.
Understand plan comments
Each support item will have a pre-populated comment. The comment will populate when you
select support items which met the NDIS funding criteria (external).
Make sure you use the pre-populated comment for each of the support items you include in
the participant’s plan. Only edit the comment if you need to include extra information about the
participant’s NDIS funded supports.
Page 17 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
These comments will print in the participant's plan. They'll also appear on the participant's
portal and where consent has been provided, the provider portal.
Comments need to clearly explain the support item and what has been funded. This will help
the participant to have a better understanding of what supports they can buy with their plan.
Check plan comments
If you've added funding to a support category, select at least one support item to include in the
participant's plan. If you don’t select at least one support item for a support category, you’ll get
an error message.
Note: The only time you shouldn’t include a support item is when there's a $0 support
category in the budget. For example, a $0 support category to allow core budget flexibility. If
you include a support item for a $0 support category, you’l get an error message.
Use the pre-populated comment for each of the support items you include. Only edit the
comment if extra information is needed or you need to show which support you’re funding. For
example, to describe the specific support item, funded amount or ratio of support.
In a Plan Approval, Plan Change or Participant Budget Update:
1. From Plan Comments, select Yes for each support item you're funding in the
participant's plan.
2. Make sure you edit any comments which include text in square brackets or a dollar
amount. For example, any text in [ ] or $XX.XX to include extra information or to remove
support items you aren’t funding. This may include the type of support, funded amount,
hours included or the ratio of support. If the plan comments has these fields, go to
section Action plan comments in this article.
3. Once all comments are recorded, select Next. Go to section Review and Submit in the
below articles:
• For Plan Approval case, go to article Change the draft budget.
• For Plan Change or Participant Budget Update case, go to article Action a
budget update.
Action plan comments
Using the tables below as a guide, edit plan comments with:
Page 18 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
• [bold text] to select one option and delete the others. If you need to include more
than one comment option, keep the options needed and remove the [bold text].
• text in [square brackets] or $XX.XX to include specific information. This will usually
be the funded amount, hours included or the ratio of support.
Make sure you don't include any additional special characters in the plan comments. Some
characters can cause plan comments to appear blank. Special characters to avoid are < > and
%. If you need to talk about % in a plan comment, you'll need to use the word percentage
instead of the character.
For home modifications and specialist disability accommodation (SDA), add the plan comment
using the relevant article included for the support item in the below table.
Note: Not all plan comments are included in the tables below. Only plan comments you need
to edit are included in this article.
Assistance with daily life plan comments
Supports to assist or supervise with personal tasks during day-to-day life that enable the
participant to live as independently as possible. These supports can be provided individually in
a range of environments, including the participant's own home.
Support Item
Plan Comment
[If house or yard maintenance] Support to maintain the
home to a good standard, including help with house or yard
maintenance.
Household tasks
[If house cleaning and other household activities] Support
to maintain the home to a good standard, including help with
house cleaning and other household activities.
Short term accommodation Up to [amount] days of [ratio] short term accommodation to try
(STA) and assistance,
things, build new skills, or give informal supports a break.
including the provision of
Short term accommodation is for at least one night away from
respite care
home in a centre or group residence. Short term
accommodation is usually all inclusive.
[If Assistance with daily life provided in a Residential
Aged Care Facility (RACF)] Support for assistance with daily
Residential Aged Care
life tasks in a residential aged care facility. You are funded for
$[enter the fee or charge the participant is funded for]. You can
only claim from this item for fees you’ve paid to the residential
aged care facility. You can’t seek reimbursement from this item
Page 19 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
for any basic daily (care) fee, extra service fee or additional
service fee you pay the facility.
[If Additional disability personal care supports] Younger
People in Residential Aged Care: additional disability personal
care supports. This includes additional support for high
intensity personal care and support provided in your aged care
facility. This support is to supplement, not replace, the
personal care that is the responsibility of the aged care facility.
Support for the implementation of a diabetic management plan.
Diabetes management
[If training for support workers is included] Including
supports
support worker training to implement the disability-related
diabetes management plan.
Support for the implementation of a mealtime management
plan.
Dysphagia supports
[If training for support workers is included] Including
support worker training to implement the disability-related
mealtime management plan.
[If assistance with an EMP or EMMP is included] Support
for the implementation of a [Epilepsy Management Plan
(EMP)/Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP)].
[If training for support workers is included] Support worker
training to implement the [Epilepsy Management Plan
Epilepsy supports
(EMP)/Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP)].
[If assistance with ketogenic diet plan is included] Support
for the implementation of a ketogenic diet plan.
[If training for support workers is included] Support worker
training to implement the ketogenic diet plan.
[If assistance with a HEN and PEG is included] Support to
administer HEN and help with PEG maintenance and care.
[If training for support workers is included] Support worker
Nutrition supports,
training to implement the HEN regime under delegation of
including meal preparation care.
[If assistance with prep or meal delivery is included]
[Support with meal preparation and delivery/Help from a
support worker to help prepare meals].
Podiatry and foot care
[If assistance with Podiatry and foot care supports is
supports
included] Support to implement podiatry and foot care
supports.
Page 20 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
[If training for support workers is included] Support worker
training to implement podiatry and foot care supports.
[If assistance with Respiratory supports is included]
Support worker to maintain respiratory health and comfort
Respiratory supports
under the guidance of a nurse.
[If training for support workers is included] Support worker
training about tracheostomy and other respiratory needs.
Onsite Shared Supports in For onsite shared supports in SDA, use the plan comment
SDA
template in article Add onsite shared supports in Specialist
Disability Accommodation.
Assistive Technology plan comments
Assistive technology (AT) is equipment, technology and devices that help a participant do
things they can't do because of their disability. Or things that help them do something more
easily or safely, such as wheelchairs or vehicle modifications.
Support Item
Plan Comment
Mid-cost AT between
[type of mid-cost AT] with a price range of $[XX.XX] to
$1,500 and $15,000 per
$[XX.XX]. An AT advisor will help choose and set up the right
item
AT.
High-cost AT over $15,000 $[XX.XX] for [type of high-cost AT] which reflects the quoted
per item
amount of $[XX.XX]. An AT advisor will help choose and set
up the right AT.
Assistive technology for
hearing support
[AT type] for hearing-related supports.
Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair, Rental and Trial plan
comments
Supports to repair and maintain Assistive technology. This also includes short-term rental and
trial of Assistive technology supports.
Support Item
Plan Comment
Maintenance and
repairs of AT
Maintenance and repair(s) of [equipment type]. For repairs over
supports
$1,500, a quote needs to be submitted to the NDIA.
Page 21 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Rental of AT
[short-term length] rental of [assistive technology equipment type] as
supports
recommended by an assistive technology [advisor or assessor].
Support for trials of [assistive technology equipment type(s)] as
Trial of AT supports recommended by an assistive technology [advisor or assessor]. This
will help to work out if [type of assistive technology equipment] is right
for you and is safe.
Behaviour support plan comments
Supports to help develop behavioural management strategies to reduce behaviours of
concern. This includes specialist behavioural intervention supports to help improve a
participant's quality of life.
Support
Item
Plan Comment
[hours] hours of specialist behaviour intervention support and [hours] hours
of behaviour management plan and training in behaviour management
Behaviour
strategies.
support
The registered specialist behaviour support practitioner must provide a
report with the outcomes achieved 6 weeks before the next plan
reassessment.
Consumables plan comments
Supports to assist with purchasing everyday use items. For example, Continence and Home
Enteral Nutrition (HEN) products are included in this category.
Support Item
Plan Comment
[If general low-cost AT] Low-cost assistive technology, and minor
repairs to assistive technology.
Low-cost AT,
[If general low-cost AT and hearing supports] Low-cost assistive
including hearing
technology, and minor repairs to assistive technology. This is flexible
and disability-
and can be used for services received from the Hearing Services
related AT
Program. This includes annual maintenance and cost of batteries.
[If wound and pressure care] Wound and pressure care supports for
prevention and dressing of wounds.
Health and wellbeing plan comments
Supports that are directly related to managing the impact of a participant's disability.
Page 22 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Support Item Plan Comment
Physical
Supports for [an Exercise Physiologist or a Personal Trainer] to assess and
wellbeing
provide strategies to increase [insert skills] skills. Your therapist will need to
activities
provide the NDIS with a progress report 6 weeks before the next plan
reassessment.
Home and Living plan comments
Home and living supports to help a participant to live as independently as possible. They build
skills with things like household tasks and personal care.
Support Item
Plan Comment
$[regular SIL amount] for regular Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Supported
supports to live independently at home. SIL includes help or
independent living
supervision with daily tasks, like personal care or cooking meals.
(SIL)
$[irregular SIL amount] for irregular SIL supports to help with
unexpected or unplanned situations.
Medium term
[days] days of support in medium term accommodation (MTA).
accommodation
Support in MTA is to make sure there is somewhere to live while
(MTA)
waiting for long-term housing solution.
[If Stage 1: exploration and design] Support for exploration and
design of a potential Individualised Living Option (ILO) with a chosen
provider. The service proposal should reflect ILO support level [1/2/3]
as this level is considered to be suitable and appropriate.
Individualised living ILO support can only be used for this purpose. ILO must not be used
options (ILO)
to purchase personal care, provide community access or other
general Core supports.
[If Stage 2: support model] Support with day to day needs in an
Individualised Living Option (ILO). This will help develop the skills to
live as independently as possible.
Home modifications plan comments
Supports to make changes to the structure, layout, or fittings of a home, so a participant can
safely access it and move around comfortably. 
Support Item
Plan Comment
Page 23 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
For home modification plan comments, use the plan comment template
Home
in articles:
modifications
• Add minor home modifications funding
• Add complex home modifications funding.
Improved daily living skills plan comments
Assessment, training or therapy (including Early Childhood Intervention) to help build skil s,
independence and community participation. These services can be delivered in groups or
individually.
Support Item
Plan Comment
[If Therapy supports] Support for a [type of therapist] to assess
and provide strategies to increase [type of skills] skil s. Your [type of
therapist] will need to provide the NDIS with a progress report 6
Therapy supports
weeks before the next plan reassessment.
[If Therapy assistant] Including a Therapy Assistant to implement
[type of therapist] strategies to assist with [enter strategies].
Disability-related
Support for a [enter type of Therapist] to respond to your disability-
health therapy
related health needs where the care is not the usual responsibility of
supports
the health system.
Support for a multidisciplinary team to build your capacity in [type of
Multidisciplinary team skills] skills. Your multidisciplinary team will meet at the start and
supports
then mid-way through the plan period to create consistency in their
approach.
[If Assistance with Decision Making Daily Planning and
Budgeting]
Support to help develop and maintain a daily budget, including help
when planning purchases. This is a time limited support.
[If Skill Development and Training including Public Transport
Training]
Other supports
Individual training to help improve independence with general life
skills. This support can be provided in the home or in the community.
[If Training for Carers/Parents]
Training for carers to help with your disability support needs.
[If Selection and/or Manufacture of Customised or Wearable
Technology]
Page 24 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Support for selection or manufacture of customised or wearable
technology.
Recurring transport plan comments
These supports are paid on a regular basis to a participant's nominated bank account and
includes mainly transport supports.
Support Item
Plan Comment
Recurring transport
Support to access [work/ study/community activities]. This will be
paid regularly to your nominated bank account.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) plan comments
Specialist disability accommodation is a specially designed house for people with extreme
functional impairment or very high support needs.
Support Item
Plan Comment
[For new SDA arrangements or change of address record]
$[XX.XX] for specialist disability accommodation (SDA) up to
[participant assessed amount] per year (quote required). You are
eligible for SDA as follows: the design category is [assessed design
category], building type is [assessed building type], location is
[assessed location]. You can access alternative SDA categories and
locations within your assessed amount.
[For an existing (non in-kind) SDA arrangement where the
dwelling is enrolled] Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) up
Specialist disability
to [SDA enrolled amount] per year (quote required). You are eligible
accommodation
for SDA while you live at your current address. Your design category
(SDA)
is [enrolled dwelling design category], building type is [enrolled
dwelling building type], location is [enrolled dwelling location]. If you
want to move address, you are still eligible for SDA, but you will need
to contact the NDIA for the next steps to assess your SDA amount.
[For existing (non in-kind) SDA arrangement where the dwelling
isn’t enrolled] $[XX.XX] for specialist disability accommodation
(SDA) (quote required). You are eligible for SDA. SDA will be paid
once the property is enrolled for SDA. If you choose to move
address, you are still eligible for SDA, but you will need to contact the
NDIA for the next steps to assess your SDA amount.
Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaches
Page 25 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Supports to help a participant understand their plan, connect to NDIS supports and
mainstream services. Psychosocial recovery coach support is tailored to people with
psychosocial disability, with a focus on coaching and collaborating with other services.
Support Item
Plan Comment
[If support connection] Support connection to help you connect with your
chosen service providers.
Support
[If coordination of support] Support Coordination to support connection,
coordination
engagement and coordination with chosen service providers.
[If specialist support coordination] Including Specialist Support
Coordination to support connection, engagement, and coordination with
chosen service providers.
Transport plan comments
Supports to allow a participant to pay a provider to transport them to an activity that is not itself
a support – or to a support that is delivered by another provider. This enables travel to and
from appointments or place of work.
Support Item
Plan Comment
Transport
Transport support to access [work/ study/community activities].
Article labels – internal use only
PACE user role names
No change
Topics
No change
Case names
No change
Ownership
No change
Version control
Page 26 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Version Amended
by
Brief Description of Change
Status
Date
In current environment, comment
options for wound and pressure
care and other living arrangements
not available.
V1.1
MGC723
Update to include a work around
DRAFT
2024-09-09
for staff who are funding supports
associated with wound care and
other living arrangements until
system enhancements can be
completed.
V1.2
UFEX8
Peer review
DRAFT
2024-09-18
1.3
DCM308
Action peer review feedback
DRAFT
2024-09-18
1.4
EJW711
EL1 review
DRAFT
2024-09-26
1.5
DCM308
Action EL1 feedback
DRAFT
2024-09-26
EL2 review
1.6
AT0022
DRAFT
2024-09-27
SME review
1.7
DCM308
Review SME feedback
DRAFT
2024-09-30
2.0
JC0088
Class 2 Approval
APPROVED 2024-09-30
Page 27 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 4
Carers Disability Snapshot
SGP KP Publishing
Exported on 2025-01-28 02:00:32
Page 28 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Table of Contents
1  Peak body consulted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2  About carers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3  Carers and the NDIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
4  Why respite is important . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5  Can a plan include NDIS funding for respite? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6  How can I help carers to sustain their capacity to provide informal supports? . . . . . . 9
7  Case study examples of respite supports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7.1  Short-term accommodation for Peter ............................................................................... 10
7.2  Short-term accommodation for Henry .............................................................................. 10
7.3  Access to the community for Jordan ................................................................................ 11
7.4  In home supports and personal care for Sami ................................................................. 11
7.5  In home supports and personal care for Eleesha ............................................................ 11
8  Helpful links . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Page 29 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
This Disability Snapshot provides general information about carers to assist you in
communicating effectively and supporting the participant in developing their goals in a planning
meeting. Each person is an individual and wil have their own needs, preferences and
experiences that wil impact on the planning process. This information has been prepared for
NDIA staff and partners and is not intended for external distribution.
Page 30 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
1 Peak body consulted
In developing this resource we consulted with Carers Australia, the national peak body
representing Australia’s unpaid carers.
Page 31 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
2 About carers
The sustainability of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) depends on the capacity
and wil ingness of family and friend carers to provide informal supports and unpaid care.
Australian Bureau of Statistics’ data from 2015 revealed that:
•
26% of primary carers (who provide the most substantial care for someone with
disability, chronic il ness, mental health condition or is frail or aged) had been caring for
between 5 and 9 years and 28% had been caring for between 10 and 24 years
•
33% of carers were providing care for 40 hours or more per week and in many cases,
substantially more
•
50% of primary carers identified that caring had one or more negative impacts on their
physical or emotional wellbeing
•
36% indicated they were weary and lacked energy
•
12% said they frequently felt angry and resentful
•
48% reported interrupted sleep
•
12% had been diagnosed with a stress related il ness.
Page 32 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
3 Carers and the NDIS
Families and carers make a valuable contribution to supporting participants. It is important to
take the time to listen to carers and support them in their role. They are often the greatest
advocates for participants.
The participant statement in a participant’s plan contains important information about the
participant’s life, their living arrangements, relationships and plan goals. As part of the
discussion to complete the participant statement, consider what may be required to strengthen
and build the capacity of those providing informal support.
The family questionnaire, usually completed during a planning meeting is an opportunity to
capture the experience of the family or care giver and discuss whether they have sufficient
support to provide care. A number of organisations have developed pre-planning guidance for
families and carers to assist them identify their own caring role. If they choose to, a carer can
also provide a carer statement. To access the Carers Australia Carers Checklist refer to the
Helpful links section below.
Page 33 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
4 Why respite is important

While families and carers take pleasure and satisfaction in supporting their loved ones, they
may experience stress from caring. Carers often need support and relief. They may need to
take a break from time-to-time to sustain their own wellbeing, their relationships with others and
their capacity to continue caring.

Respite can reduce carers’ stress and give them an opportunity to recharge their batteries. It
can also assist them in continuing to provide quality care.

Respite can also assist participants. A period in short-term accommodation or participation in
community activities can provide opportunities to experience new environments, make new
social connections and in some cases, develop new skil s.

Page 34 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5 Can a plan include NDIS funding for respite?
Funding for respite is available under the NDIS. Respite aims to support ongoing caring
arrangements between participants and their carers by providing carers with short term breaks
from their caring responsibilities.
Participants can purchase a number of supports through their NDIS plan for respite
arrangements including:
•
short-term accommodation
•
temporary periods of extra personal supports so that the participant can remain at home
when families and/or carers are not available
•
support to participate in community activities, resulting in a break for carers.
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports that facilitate respite and build
independence, offer time away from the home or provide supports in the home. Examples are
provided in the case studies below. These supports can reduce the demand on carers and give
them a break from caring responsibilities.
Page 35 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
6 How can I help carers to sustain their capacity to
provide informal supports?
Let carers know that, while the NDIS supports the goals and aspirations of the participant(s)
they are caring for, it recognises that supporting family and friend carers in their caring role is
also important.
Al ow carers to explain to you the type of care and amount of care they provide. Carers should
feel comfortable to be able share any concerns they have about their capacity to continue
providing their current level of care. If they are unwil ing to raise these issues in the presence of
the person they care for, a written carer statement can be provided. Refer to the Helpful links
section below for examples.
Explain to carers how the participant’s plan can be used to purchase supports like short term
accommodation which offers value for the participant and a break for carers.
Page 36 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
7  Case study examples of respite supports
Taking the time to listen to families and carers may identify innovative supports that facilitate
respite. Several examples are included in the case studies below to demonstrate different
arrangements.
7.1  Short-term accommodation for Peter
Carl, aged 64, and Sophie, aged 59, care for their adult son, Peter, who has cerebral palsy,
poorly controlled epilepsy, an intellectual impairment and respiratory problems. Carl and Sophie
immigrated to Australia in 1990 and would like to travel to their home country to visit their elderly
parents and catch up with other family and friends. They plan to spend three weeks overseas.
They don’t believe they can manage taking Peter with them. Carl and Sophie have no friends or
family members able to provide care in their absence so they wil  need to explore alternative
accommodation options for Peter while they are overseas.
In this situation funding for short-term accommodation in Peter’s plan wil  allow his parents to
take a break from their caring role.  It wil  also benefit Peter by having some experience with
other carers and environments. This is important preparation for when Carl and Sophie won’t be
able to care for Peter at home because his parents are getting older. Peter supports his parents’
request.
7.2  Short-term accommodation for Henry
Henry, aged 9, has severe autism and regularly has difficulty controlling his behaviour which
includes physical and emotional aggression. This behaviour often occurs for several hours at a
time and typically at night. Despite therapeutic interventions these behaviours are stil  occurring
and employment of an in-home support worker is not suitable.
Henry’s parents are constantly hyper-vigilant and preoccupied with attempts to reduce
behavioural outbursts. They find it difficult to find the time and energy to give enough attention
to their other two children or to each other. The situation is taking a significant toll on Henry’s
family members and their relationships.
The family would like to include funding in Henry’s plan for regular short-term accommodation.
This wil  allow his parents and siblings to strengthen their resilience and bond as a family by
spending time together. It is also intended to give Henry the opportunity to undertake new
activities and interact with other children guided by specialised professional carers.
Page 37 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
7.3  Access to the community for Jordan
Jordan, aged 13, lives with his parents and sister in a regional area. He has severe intellectual
and language delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He is unable to talk, has
behavioural concerns and needs constant supervision and help with daily living activities. Each
Saturday Jordan participates in a three-hour group activity that allows him to access the
community with his friends, develop social skil s and independence. The group meets in a town
that is one and a half hours’ drive from home.
Jordan’s parents have asked that the transport costs and a support worker to accompany him to
each group session be included in his plan. This wil  enable them to have respite and to spend
time together and with their other child.
Without this support, one parent would need to drive Jordan to the activity and stay in the town
while he is participating. The NDIS planner could consider that the transport of this distance to a
community activity exceeds ordinary parental responsibilities, provides Jordan with an
opportunity to meet his goals and objectives while providing a break for his parents.
7.4  In home supports and personal care for Sami
Sami, aged 18, is the sole family carer for her mother, Sara, who has advanced multiple
sclerosis and suffers from severe depression. Sami manages the household duties, including
looking after her 10 year old brother, as her mother cannot. While Sara receives paid personal
care and some household assistance during the day until Sami comes home from school, she is
very often in pain and in need of assistance throughout the night. This seriously interferes with
Sami’s sleep. Sara feels very guilty about the situation and the negative affect it is having on
Sami. This compounds her depression.
As well as paid carer support between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm on school days, Sara
would like funding in her NDIS plan for some over-night support during the week. This wil
relieve Sami from providing overnight care, improve her general wellbeing, and her capacity to
engage in education. This would also have a positive effect for Sara and her ongoing well-
being.
7.5  In home supports and personal care for Eleesha
Katerina is the primary carer of her three year old daughter Eleesha, who has a congenital heart
disease, stroke and developmental delay. Complications from her medical conditions have
resulted in the loss of a kidney, damage to her spleen and a reduced ability to fight infections.
Because of Eleesha’s susceptibility to infections she is becoming increasingly isolated with little
interaction with anyone other than her parents. Katerina is also feeling isolated. However, while
Page 38 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Eleesha would benefit from the opportunity to develop independence and social skil s ordinarily
provided by attending child care, she is unable to attend a child care centre because contact
with other children increases her risk of infection.
Katerina would like Eleesha’s NDIS plan to include funding for regular in-home support. This
would have the benefit of providing Eleesha with the opportunity to interact with people other
than her parents and develop social skil s, as well as enabling Katerina to have some time for
herself. Katerina is also considering returning to part time employment.
Page 39 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
8 Helpful links
•
While the section on the NDIS and carers on the Carers Australia website is primarily
designed to help carers understand the NDIS, it is also a useful resource for NDIA staff
and partners to understand the carer’s perspective.
•
Carers Australia Carer Checklist. Carers are encouraged to fil out this checklist prior to
engaging with the planning process. It also provides planners with some useful insights
into the range and diversity of supports which carers provide and the ways in which
caring can impact on their own lives and wellbeing. It may be useful to provide the
checklist to carers and family members to help them prepare for a planning meeting.
•
Carer Statement examples. These may help planners understand why in some cases it
may be important for both the participant and the NDIA for carers to have an
opportunity to tell their own story without having to do so in front of the participant.
o Carer statement
o Primary carer’s statement
•
How to speak NDIA guide on the Endeavour Foundation website. This can assist in
understanding some of the communication problems which arise between NDIA
professionals, participants and their carers.
Page 40 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 5
Guide - How to support children and
young people to remain in their
family home
SGP KP Publishing
Exported on 2025-01-22 22:05:42
Page 41 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
Table of Contents
1  Recent updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
2  Before you start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
3  Reasons a family may be in crisis due to their child or young person's disability
support needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
4  Planner considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.1  Community and mainstream supports ................................................................................ 8
5  How to prepare for the plan meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.1  Core supports ................................................................................................................... 10
5.1.1
Social and community participation ............................................................................................. 10
5.1.2
Maintaining current family support .............................................................................................. 11
5.2  Short term accommodation, including respite .................................................................. 11
5.2.1
Specialist children's use case ..................................................................................................... 11
5.3  Capacity building supports ............................................................................................... 11
5.3.1
Coordination of support (formerly support coordination) ............................................................. 12
5.3.2
Specialist support coordination ................................................................................................... 12
5.3.3
Behaviour support ....................................................................................................................... 12
5.3.4
Safeguards .................................................................................................................................. 13
5.3.5
Building family relationships and capacity ................................................................................... 14
5.4  Capital supports ................................................................................................................ 14
5.4.1
Home modifications..................................................................................................................... 14
6  Transition to adulthood planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Page 42 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
This article provides guidance for a planner delegate, planner (non-partnered area), early
childhood partner or local area coordinator to understand:
•
reasons a family may be in crisis due to their child or young person's disability support
needs
•
planner considerations
•
how to prepare for the plan meeting
•
transition to adulthood planning.
Page 43 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
1 Recent updates
12 August 2024
Guidance updated to:
•
mention the Plan Conversation Support Tool (PCST) must be used for all new plans
and plan reassessments
•
change article name Add or update support coordination funding in a plan approval
case to Understand support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach funding.
1 July 2024
Article name changed from Guide – Children at risk of requiring accommodation outside the
family home to Guide – How to support children and young people to remain in their family
home.
Updated guidance to help you:
•
record reasonable and necessary supports for a child participant to support them to
remain in their family home
•
connect the family with community and mainstream supports that can help.
Page 44 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
2 Before you start
You have read and understood:
•
Our Guideline – Reasonable and necessary supports (external)
•
Our Guideline – Short Term Accommodation or Respite (external)
•
Our Guideline – Your plan (external)
•
Our Guideline – Child representatives (external)
•
Our Guideline – Home modifications (external)
•
Children and Young People (CYP)
•
Participant safeguarding policy (external)
•
Article Support categories
•
article Understand support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach funding
•
article Guide – Behaviour Support.
Page 45 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
3 Reasons a family may be in crisis due to their child
or young person's disability support needs
The family of a child or young person with significant disability-related support needs may
identify that they're having difficulty managing behaviours in the family home. Some of these
might include:
•
child characteristics, like escalating complex and challenging behaviours including
abuse, property damage and violence
•
non-attendance at school
•
indicators, like parents who have limited access to appropriate services because they
live in a remote location.
There can also be situations where the functional impact of the child or young person's disability
means the family need higher levels of support to sustain care in the family home.
The best place for a child or young person is in the family home. Family can mean different
things to different people, but it's essential for a child to live with their loved ones wherever
possible. Early intervention is important because putting the right supports in place early can
help maintain the family living together. These might include in-home supports, support
coordination, capacity building, behaviour support and disability support worker training. This
can help to implement consistent behaviour management strategies in the home environment.
Children have many milestones and transitions in their lives that you need to consider when you
build their plan. Making sure the supports are sustainable in the future is crucial for their
development.
We generally don't fund supported independent living (SIL) or specialist disability
accommodation (SDA) for children or young people. Unless a child or young person is in a
statutory arrangement, they are provided with supports and accommodation by their parents or
guardians.
If there are parental capacity or mainstream interface issues, mainstream services should be
provided through the relevant child safety agency. For example, if:
•
a parent or parents are unwell or deceased
•
housing is inappropriate
•
there is a substantial risk to the child.
The NDIA wouldn't generally fund this. To learn more, go to Mainstream and community
supports - Child protection and family support (external).
Research shows that children who live away from their family and outside the family home
experience significant trauma. They are at very high risk of abuse and neglect.
Sometimes it can be difficult for a planner delegate to support a child with significant disability-
related support needs, whilst also maintaining a holistic and family-centred approach. Parents in
crisis can find it challenging to talk about in-home and capacity building supports.
They may:
•
want more out-of-home supports
•
want more short-term accommodation (STA)
•
experience disability themselves
Page 46 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
•
run out of funding early
•
experience behaviours of concern. This might look like property damage or abuse by
their child
•
experience a loss of respite effect if the child only attends school intermittently or not at
all.
There may also be:
•
siblings impacted by the child's disability
•
multiple people in the household who are NDIS participants
•
other issues in the home such as domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol abuse
or mental health concerns. Or the family might be isolated, in a rural or regional area or
a single parent family.
Generally, mainstream services are the appropriate response to homelessness. Funded
supports need to meet the NDIS funding criteria (external).
In some rare instances, young people who are nearly 18 years of age can request an
exceptional circumstances approval for SIL or SDA if they are eligible, particularly if the
behaviours of concern are significant. This isn't a response to homelessness and you must
prioritise evidence-based decision-making.
Page 47 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
4  Planner considerations
When you consider supports in the participant's plan, think about:
•
whether the child has good supports in place, such as in-home supports, capacity
building including a behaviour support plan, support coordination or STA. If there aren't
good supports in place, a plan reassessment is needed. This wil  make sure relevant
disability-related supports are included to help keep the child in the family home.
•
if good supports are in place, whether they meet the NDIS funding criteria
•
if the child protection agency requests STA whilst they are undertaking an assessment,
this isn't something the NDIA would normally fund.
Generally, it isn't appropriate for a family to request an urgent plan reassessment if they have
over utilised funded supports in the child participant's plan. This could be an NDIS integrity
issue which may involve fraud and potentially a child protection response.
Overutilisation can raise questions like:
•
Who is caring for the child?
•
Who is the decision-maker?
•
Which safeguarding and compliance measures are in place?
•
Is a registered provider being used for restricted regulated practice (RRP)?
•
Is STA being utilised?
•
Is funding during school hours being claimed?
Other risks you need to think about if the child is being supported out of the family home:
•
Does the provider understand the risks they are taking by supporting a child 24/7 out of
home?
•
Is the Provider Engagement Team engaged?
•
Has a fraud report been submitted? To learn how, go to the Fraud Investigations
Branch intranet page.
•
Have child protection reports been submitted by the support coordinator or provider
because the child isn't being supported by a parent or guardian?
•
How often does the parent see the child?
•
Who is monitoring the supports being provided?
•
Have any participant critical incidents been identified and reported? Go to article
Understand participant critical incidents to learn more.
•
Who is monitoring and safeguarding the child?
•
How are routines being maintained? For example, school attendance or behaviour
support plan strategies implemented.
4.1  Community and mainstream supports
Participants have access to the same community and mainstream supports as any other child
or young person. Families and participants may need help to understand what other service
systems can support them, as well as their NDIS funded supports. To learn more, go to
Mainstream and community supports - Who is responsible for the supports you need?
(external).
Page 48 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
You could also give families information about contacts in their state or territory. To learn more,
go to article Community and mainstream supports contact list.
Page 49 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5  How to prepare for the plan meeting
The Plan Conversation Support Tool (PCST) can help you record reasonable and necessary
decision-making. You must use the PCST for all new plans and plan reassessments and attach
to the participant record. To learn more, go to article Understand and update the plan
conversation support tool.
If you need advice based on a particular participant's situation, you can ask for help from the
Children and Young People Team.
Think about the way you engage with families. Always be supportive, positive and encouraging
when talking with families and participants by listening and acknowledging their concerns. For
more information, go to Guide - Conversation style guide.
Treat families with respect and understand that their circumstances may be very difficult, and
don't act in a judgemental or transactional way.
•
Capacity Building should always be the primary focus. This includes building the
capacity of parents, teachers, support workers and the child or young person.
•
Parent and carer training is essential to build capacity for parents to understand and
support the disability-related needs of their child in the family home.
•
Support Coordination and Specialist Support Coordination is vital. There may be
numerous stakeholders and supports required which can be overwhelming for the
family. This can add pressure, increasing risk of carer burnout.
5.1  Core supports
Core support funding in the child's plan can include:
•
assistance with daily life
•
assistance with social and community participation
•
access to social and community activities, like transport.
Talk with the family about how in-home supports can help, for example to help the child get
ready for school. School attendance provides a respite effect and can be important to help a
family or carer continue to care for their child. You can also help link the family with after-school
activities in the community to give the family and siblings a break.
If the young person is 16 years or older and has independent skil s, you can fund daily living
supports to help them to live more independently. For example, to support them with self-care,
personal care and meal preparation. This wil  be assistance with daily life supports provided in
the family home, not 24/7 core funding supports. You can't fund SDA for this scenario.
5.1.1  Social and community participation
Consider the age of the child and if they need support to join in social and community activities
without their family at times. This can give the family or carer a break if they normally need to
provide a lot more care than other parents with children of a similar age. A support worker can
be funded so the child can enjoy age-appropriate activities outside their family home, with their
peers. This helps the child to build independence while increasing the child's social
participation. For more information, go to Do we expect your family, friends or the community to
provide the social and recreation support? (external).
Page 50 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5.1.2  Maintaining current family support
Parents make a valuable, ongoing contribution to the lives and wellbeing of their children. They
support their child to pursue their goals. You must:
•
respect the rights and dignity of parents
•
promote their inclusion in the planning process
•
facilitate access to supports to promote family engagement and capacity building.
5.2  Short term accommodation, including respite
Short term accommodation (STA) including respite is funding for a 24-hour period. Whilst this
isn't the main solution, it can provide a break for families and carers. STA, including respite, can
be included for up to 28 days a year in the participant's plan if families and carers need
additional support to help them with their caregiving responsibilities. For more information, go to
Do we expect family and informal supports to provide care for you? (external).
5.2.1  Specialist children's use case
The specialist children's use case is where additional STA, combined with capacity building or
other supports, is considered because the child is at risk of entering residential care.
When considering if additional STA meets the NDIS funding criteria, look at including other
NDIS support options that could help sustain informal care arrangements. For example, in-
home support, behavioural therapies and community access.
For specialist children's use, you can include up to 30 days at a time, not exceeding 60 days per
year. To learn more, go to Our Guideline – Short Term Accommodation or Respite (external).
5.3  Capacity building supports
Consider the NDIS funding criteria when including disability-related capacity building supports in
the child's plan. To learn more, go to Our Guideline – Reasonable and necessary supports
(external).
Capacity building supports help increase the sustainability of the family or carer to continue to
care for the child and should be funded alongside any respite. This might include:
•
in-home support
•
training to help implement a behaviour support plan. For example, supporting the child
to develop a sleep routine
•
positive behaviour support strategies to address complex and challenging behaviours
for parents and other stakeholders
•
support for community access to allow the child and family to increase social
participation and reduce social isolation.
Families at breaking point or experiencing crisis often need significant support to implement
their child's plan. Think about additional capacity building supports which can be vital for
successful implementation and support to access services and supports:
Page 51 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5.3.1  Coordination of support (formerly support coordination)
The role of the support coordinator is to support and strengthen the child's (family's) ability to
implement and coordinate the disability-related supports, as well as the community and
mainstream services, they need in their everyday life.
Coordination of support should be included in all complex planning to support the child and their
carer or guardian to implement the plan. To understand more about support coordination and
the levels, go to article Understand support coordination and psychosocial recovery coach
funding.
5.3.2  Specialist support coordination
To support an early intervention approach, you might fund a specialist support coordinator.
They wil  help the family access and engage with the supports and providers needed to
maintain care of their child.
The role of a specialist support coordinator is to help the child:
•
manage challenges in their own support environment
•
make sure there is consistent delivery of service.
This support is time-limited, fixed term and targeted to specific identified areas. This should be
clearly communicated if there is an expectation of funding.
It focuses on specific outcomes, such as:
•
identifying housing solutions to support a young person transition to adulthood. This
includes planning for the transition to independent living (if that's the child's goal)
•
identifying strategies and solutions for managing risks, such as re-engaging with school.
This includes coordinating family, education and stakeholders to develop and
implement programs and practices to build relationships linking the child to learning and
education. Or training for parents and stakeholders in behaviour support strategies
•
identifying and sourcing relevant assessment and associated service design for
participants with risk behaviours and behaviours of concern. This includes restrictive
practice reporting to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (external)
•
participation in any case conferencing arranged by state and territory services if there's
a need to coordinate the participant's disability-related supports with mainstream
services
•
engaging with mainstream services
•
helping family or parents to access advocacy supports
•
capturing and presentation of required data for the NDIA (for example from school).
Specialist support coordination should be included in the plan as a stated support. If you identify
risks such as limited availability of specialist support coordinators in the area, support in the
support coordination category can be used. If it's likely a child may need accommodation
outside their family home soon, specialist support coordination can help use funding to access
the disability supports identified. To learn more, go to article Understand support coordination
and psychosocial recovery coach funding. Note: Complex planner delegates must develop a
robust request for service (RFS) with clear tasks, roles, outcomes and timeframes for both
coordination of support and specialist support coordination.
5.3.3  Behaviour support
Some children may need supports to address behaviours of concern. This can be if either one
or all of the following apply:
Page 52 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
•
there is a risk to self or others
•
1:1 (or higher) funded supports are being used for more than 30% of the day
•
if unregulated, restrictive practices are being used.
Behaviour support is vital if there are behaviours of concern. These behaviours might impact the
family dynamic to a point that the child is at risk of needing accommodation outside the family
home.
You should include strategies to support behaviour and build capacity within the family. This
should encourage family engagement for children with high support needs.
In some cases, the behaviours of concern are significant. They could result in the child not
being able to spend time with family without high levels of support. Consider if behavioural
supports can be included so the child can remain living safely in the family home.
These supports should:
•
support the child's safety and wellbeing
•
promote options for increasing the child's capacity, community and mainstream
connections to achieve plan goals
•
help the long-term sustainability of the child's plan and informal support systems
•
reduce or eliminate any restrictive practices that might be in place to improve the child's
quality of life. To learn more, go to Core, Capacity Building and Mainstream Interface
Supports.
As the child's capacity increases over time, you would expect to see a reduction in the intensity
and level of 1:1 (or higher, for example 2:1) supports (greater than 30%). However, this wil
depend on individual circumstances.
Consider if including behaviour support alongside other supports, such as STA for a temporary
period, meets the NDIS funding criteria. This could allow a family or carer to continue to provide
care for the child. Concurrent supports may be a successful early intervention strategy for highly
complex situations where the child's care arrangement is at risk of breakdown. To learn more,
go to article Guide – Behaviour support.
5.3.4 Safeguards
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (external) (NDIS Commission) assess
behaviour support practitioners and providers using a Positive Behaviour Support Capability
Framework (external).
This provides guiding principles to help deliver specialist positive behaviour support as an NDIS
behaviour support practitioner. In all states and territories, providers who use, or may use,
restrictive practices or develop behaviour support plans (BSPs):
•
must be registered with the NDIS Commission
•
must meet the supplementary requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards.
Any use of restrictive practice must comply with the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour
Support) Rules 2018 (external).
Where there are behaviours of concern and restrictive practice, the child's behaviour support
specialist and providers of core supports must be NDIS registered. Making parts of the child's
plan Agency-managed is one way of guaranteeing a provider is registered. To learn more, go to
article Make fund management decision.
Page 53 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
5.3.5  Building family relationships and capacity
Consider if including disability-related capacity building and training for the child's parents could
support their child to engage with the family. These supports are important to help the family
keep caring for their child in the family environment.
Capacity building supports can be included in the plan, so the child remains living in the family
home:
•
Behaviour support may already be in the plan. It should include development or review
of a behaviour support plan, behavioural supports (for example support to establish
positive sleep routines) as well as training for family members.
•
Assessment, recommendation, therapy or training (including assistive technology). For
example, occupational therapy assessment and training to identify equipment, and to
train the participant and their family to use the equipment in the family home.
•
Community access by providing personal care (including supervision of behaviours of
concern) to support the participant to access the community.
•
In-home support: where personal care support needs (including for supervision of
behaviours of concern) are above the needs of other children of similar age.
5.4  Capital supports
Use the information below to guide you through additional considerations for capital supports
when the child is living outside the family home.
5.4.1  Home modifications
Consider any home modifications that could help the child remain in their long-term family
home. To learn more, go to article Add minor home modification funding.
Page 54 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
6 Transition to adulthood planning
Transition planning is the process of assessment, planning, implementation, and review to
identify a young person's needs as they move into adulthood.
As a young person prepares to leave school and start work or join community activities, they
may require additional supports to:
•
transition to the disability support pension (DSP)
•
transition to independent living.
For more information, go to the Children and Young People (CYP) intranet page.
Page 55 of 56

Disclosure Log-FOI 24/25-0547
DOCUMENT 6
Request:
I am seeking information on how many families have multiple members as participants on the scheme.
How many have 2 children on the scheme.
How many have 3+ children on the scheme.
I would information on how many parents of children on the scheme are also participants themselves.
I would like information on how many of these families claim for STA / respite, and equine therapy for participants.
I am seeking information on how many participants have claimed STA / respite in the form of holidays.
Could you please provide information on why the STA was categorised as more of a holiday rather than STA or respite?
How many have 2 children on the scheme.
40627
How many have 3+ children on the scheme.
7409
I would information on how many parents of children on the scheme are also participants themselves.
11327
I would like information on how many of these families claim for STA / respite, and equine therapy for participants.
8
I am seeking information on how many participants have claimed STA / respite in the form of holidays.
8
Page 56 of 56

Document Outline