Behaviour Support Risk Assessments at a Glance

What is being assessed?
Potential risks associated with behaviours of concern, situations, environments and support arrangements.

Is a Risk Assessment the same as a Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)?
No. A Risk Assessment considers potential harm, the level of risk and how that risk can be reduced or managed. A Functional Behaviour Assessment explores why a behaviour may be occurring, the function or purpose it may serve and the circumstances that influence or maintain it.

Does a Risk Assessment mean stopping someone from doing risky things?
Not necessarily. Risk management considers safety alongside the participant's rights, preferences, independence, choice, control and dignity of risk.

Who can contribute to the assessment?
The participant and, with appropriate consent, family members, carers, support workers, Support Coordinators, clinicians, educators and other relevant people can contribute information.

Can a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment be completed remotely?
Parts of the assessment can be completed remotely where appropriate. The Behaviour Support Practitioner determines the information and assessment methods required based on the participant's individual circumstances and the risks being assessed.

Where does Belong Health provide Positive Behaviour Support?
Across Perth, Mandurah and surrounding areas, with telehealth available across Western Australia where appropriate.

What Is an NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment is a structured process used to identify, understand and evaluate potential risks associated with behaviours of concern and the circumstances in which they occur.

Within Positive Behaviour Support, the assessment helps develop a clearer understanding of:
  • What the identified risk is.
  • What could potentially happen.
  • Who may be affected.
  • When and where risk occurs.
  • How serious the potential consequences may be.
  • How likely an event may be to occur.
  • Factors that increase risk.
  • Factors that reduce risk.
  • Existing safeguards and supports.
  • Additional strategies that may reduce or manage risk.

Risk assessment considers the participant's strengths, needs, communication, environment, relationships, preferences, goals, routines, support arrangements and broader circumstances.

The assessment is specific to the participant, rather than relying on a generic list of risks associated with a diagnosis or disability.

Risk assessment can form part of the broader Positive Behaviour Support assessment process and help determine what further assessment, planning or support is required.

Learn More About Positive Behaviour Support Assessments
Why Are Risk Assessments Important?

Knowing that something is "risky" doesn't provide enough information to develop effective support.

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment helps the participant and their support team understand:
  • What could happen.
  • What circumstances are associated with increased risk.
  • When the risk is most likely to occur.
  • What could make the situation more dangerous.
  • What already helps reduce the risk.
  • What additional safeguards may be appropriate.
  • How the participant can continue participating in everyday activities while managing identified risks.

The findings can help guide practical, individualised and consistent strategies across the participant's support network.

Risk assessment can also identify when further assessment, Behaviour Support Planning, environmental changes, skill development, changes to support arrangements or collaboration with other professionals is appropriate.
What Types of Risk Can Be Assessed?

Every participant's circumstances are different.
​
Depending on the individual, Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can consider risks associated with:
  • Physical aggression.
  • Self-injury.
  • Property damage.
  • Leaving environments unexpectedly.
  • Road or traffic safety.
  • Community access.
  • Unsafe interactions with other people.
  • Behaviour that creates risk within the home.
  • Behaviour affecting supported-living arrangements.
  • Significant behavioural escalation.
  • Access to potentially hazardous objects or environments.
  • Risks arising during particular routines or activities.
  • Risks to the participant.
  • Risks to family members or carers.
  • Risks to support workers.
  • Risks to other people.
  • Other behaviours of concern associated with potential harm.

The assessment is individualised according to the specific behaviour, environment, circumstances and needs of the participant.
Understanding Risk Without Removing Choice

Risk management doesn't automatically mean preventing someone from doing something.
​
There is an important difference between:
supporting someone to participate more safely
and
removing their opportunity to participate altogether.

For example, if a participant experiences increased risk while accessing the community, the response doesn't automatically need to be:
"They can't go into the community anymore."

Instead, assessment can explore:
  • Why the risk occurs.
  • When the risk occurs.
  • Which environments increase or reduce the risk.
  • Communication needs.
  • Preparation and predictability.
  • Skills that can be developed.
  • Environmental changes.
  • Staffing or support arrangements.
  • Proactive Positive Behaviour Support strategies.
  • Safeguards that can support continued participation.

The aim is to support safety while maintaining meaningful participation, independence, choice and control.
Dignity of Risk

Dignity of risk recognises a person's right to make choices and participate in life experiences that can involve some level of risk.

Risk is a normal part of everyday life.

Attempting to eliminate every possible risk can sometimes unnecessarily reduce a person's:
  • Choice.
  • Independence.
  • Relationships.
  • Community participation.
  • Opportunities.
  • Skill development.
  • Autonomy.
  • Quality of life.
Risk assessment therefore considers more than safety alone.

It also considers what matters to the participant, what they want to achieve and how they can be supported to participate in their life with appropriate safeguards in place.
Risk Assessment and Least Restrictive Support

Managing risk doesn't automatically require increasingly restrictive responses.

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding the participant and developing proactive, person-centred and evidence-informed strategies that support quality of life and reduce the need for restrictive responses.

When risk is identified, assessment considers:
  • What is contributing to the situation.
  • What can be changed within the environment.
  • How communication can be supported.
  • What skills can be developed.
  • Whether routines or expectations need adjustment.
  • What proactive strategies can reduce the likelihood of escalation.
  • What safeguards are proportionate to the identified risk.
  • How the participant's rights, choice and control can be maintained.

Where a strategy restricts a participant's rights or freedom, additional consideration is required because some strategies used to manage risk can constitute a restrictive practice.
Who May Benefit From a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can be appropriate when:
  • Behaviours of concern create potential risk to the participant.
  • Behaviours of concern create potential risk to other people.
  • Behaviour is increasing in frequency, intensity or severity.
  • A participant leaves safe environments unexpectedly.
  • Community access presents significant safety concerns.
  • Existing risk-management strategies aren't working effectively.
  • Different members of the support team respond inconsistently.
  • Behaviours of concern are affecting the participant's living arrangement.
  • There are concerns about how risk is currently being managed.
  • Restrictive responses are being considered or used.
  • A Behaviour Support Plan is being developed or reviewed.
  • A Functional Behaviour Assessment is being undertaken.
  • The participant's support team needs clearer guidance about identified risks.

Your Behaviour Support Practitioner determines the assessment required according to the participant's individual circumstances.
Risk Assessments for Behaviours of Concern

The same behaviour can create very different levels of risk depending on where, when and how it occurs.

For example, leaving an environment unexpectedly can present very different risks depending on whether the person is:
  • At home.
  • At school.
  • Near a busy road.
  • Close to water.
  • In a shopping centre.
  • Using public transport.
  • In an unfamiliar environment.

Likewise, throwing an object can involve different levels of risk depending on:
  • The object involved.
  • The force used.
  • Who is nearby.
  • The environment.
  • How frequently it occurs.
  • What happens immediately before the behaviour.
  • What happens afterwards.

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment therefore considers the behaviour within its context, rather than assigning a generic level of risk to a behaviour without considering the circumstances.
Risks to the Participant

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can consider potential harm to the participant themselves.

Depending on their circumstances, this can include risks associated with:
  • Self-injury.
  • Unsafe environments.
  • Leaving a safe environment unexpectedly.
  • Community access.
  • Roads and traffic.
  • Vulnerability.
  • Escalating situations.
  • Interactions with other people.
  • Particular activities or routines.
  • Access to potentially hazardous environments or objects.

The assessment explores the circumstances surrounding the risk and identifies strategies that support safety while maintaining the participant's independence and participation wherever possible.
Risks to Other People

Some behaviours of concern can create potential risks to:
  • Family members.
  • Carers.
  • Peers.
  • Support workers.
  • Housemates.
  • Other participants.
  • Members of the community.
Risk assessment identifies specific behaviours, circumstances and environments associated with potential harm.

The participant isn't defined by their behaviour.

The focus remains on understanding what is happening, identifying the circumstances associated with increased risk and developing practical strategies that support both the participant and the people around them.
Environmental & Situational Risks

Risk isn't always created solely by the participant's behaviour.

The environment and situation can significantly influence what happens.
Factors can include:
  • Excessive noise.
  • Crowding.
  • Poorly suited environments.
  • Lack of predictable routines.
  • Communication barriers.
  • Inappropriate or excessive demands.
  • Limited personal space.
  • Changes in staffing.
  • Unfamiliar support workers.
  • Access to hazardous areas or objects.
  • Inconsistent responses between support workers.
  • Environments that don't accommodate sensory needs.
  • Unexpected changes or transitions.

Identifying these factors is important because changing the environment or the way support is provided can sometimes reduce risk without unnecessarily restricting the participant.
Behaviour Support Risk Assessments in the Community

Community participation is an important part of everyday life.
​
Where behaviours of concern create potential risks during community access, assessment can consider:
  • Transport.
  • Roads and traffic.
  • Crowded environments.
  • Waiting.
  • Transitions.
  • Communication.
  • Sensory demands.
  • Unfamiliar environments.
  • Interactions with other people.
  • Support-worker arrangements.
  • Access to preferred activities.
  • Signs of escalation.
  • Strategies that support regulation.
  • Emergency responses where relevant.

The goal is to identify what supports and safeguards can enable safer, more meaningful community participation rather than automatically avoiding community activities.
Behaviour Support Risk Assessments at Home

A person's home environment can provide important information about behaviour and risk.

Assessment can consider:
  • Behaviour patterns.
  • Family or household interactions.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Routines.
  • Transitions.
  • Communication.
  • Sensory factors.
  • Access to potentially hazardous items or areas.
  • Support arrangements.
  • Existing strategies.
  • Factors that increase or reduce risk.
Where environmental, functional or equipment-related factors are relevant, collaboration with other allied health professionals, such as an Occupational Therapist, can also form part of the participant's broader support.
Risk Assessments in Supported Independent Living (SIL)

For participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL), behaviour and risk can be influenced by several interacting factors.
These can include:
  • The participant's individual needs.
  • Housemates.
  • Support workers.
  • Staffing arrangements.
  • Daily routines.
  • Shared environments.
  • Communication.
  • Community access.
  • Behaviour Support strategies.
  • Consistency between support workers.

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can help identify circumstances associated with incidents or escalation and guide safer, more consistent and individualised support.

The findings can also identify areas requiring further Functional Behaviour Assessment or Behaviour Support Planning.
Learn About SIL Behaviour Support Assessments
Risk Assessments in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

For participants living in or considering Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), behaviour, support arrangements and the physical environment can interact.

Assessment can consider factors such as:
  • Environmental design.
  • Personal space.
  • Shared areas.
  • Access and egress.
  • Sensory considerations.
  • Safety.
  • Support arrangements.
  • Interactions with other residents.
  • Community access.
  • Behaviour patterns.

Where appropriate, the Behaviour Support Practitioner can collaborate with the participant, family, Support Coordinator, SIL provider, Occupational Therapist and other professionals involved in the participant's support.

Learn About SDA Behaviour Support Assessments
How Is a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment Completed?

There isn't one assessment method that suits every participant.

The assessment process is individualised according to the participant and the risks being considered.
Information can be gathered through:
  • Consultation with the participant.
  • Parent or family consultation.
  • Support-worker interviews.
  • Support Coordinator consultation.
  • Review of incident records.
  • Review of behaviour data.
  • Existing Behaviour Support Plans.
  • Previous assessments.
  • Existing clinical reports.
  • Observation where appropriate.
  • Environmental information.
  • Collaboration with other relevant professionals.

The Behaviour Support Practitioner brings this information together to identify and evaluate the risks relevant to the participant and determine appropriate recommendations.
Understanding Likelihood, Consequence & Context

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment considers more than whether something has happened before.

Two important factors are:
​
Likelihood
How likely is the event or potential harm to occur?

Consequence
If it occurs, how significant could the outcome be?

These factors are considered alongside context.
The same behaviour can have very different risk implications depending on:
  • Location.
  • Environment.
  • People present.
  • Time of day.
  • Activity.
  • Support available.
  • Participant wellbeing.
  • Access to hazards.
  • Communication.
  • Other individual circumstances.
Considering the context creates a more meaningful understanding of the actual risk and the strategies required to address it.
Gathering Information About Risk

Good risk assessment relies on relevant information.
Depending on the participant and circumstances, the Behaviour Support Practitioner can consider:
  • What has happened previously.
  • Frequency of incidents.
  • Intensity or severity.
  • Duration.
  • Locations.
  • People involved.
  • What happened before an incident.
  • What happened afterwards.
  • Injuries.
  • Near misses.
  • Existing strategies.
  • Strategies that haven't worked.
  • Protective factors.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Changes over time.
Information can come from several people and environments to develop a broader understanding of what is occurring.
Involving the Participant in Risk Assessment

The participant is central to the assessment process.

Wherever possible and appropriate, the Behaviour Support Practitioner works with the participant to understand:
  • What matters to them.
  • Their goals.
  • Their preferences.
  • What they enjoy.
  • What makes them feel safe.
  • What makes situations more difficult.
  • Strategies they find helpful.
  • What they would like to change.
  • How they want to participate in everyday life.
  • How they would like to be supported.
Participation is adapted to the person's communication needs, preferences and individual circumstances.

This helps ensure that risk-management decisions consider the participant's own goals, experiences, rights, choice and control.
Working With Families & Carers

Families and carers can hold important information about:
  • Behaviour patterns.
  • Previous incidents.
  • Routines.
  • Communication.
  • Environmental factors.
  • Successful strategies.
  • Strategies that haven't worked.
  • Changes over time.
  • The participant's preferences.
  • The participant's history.

​With appropriate consent, their involvement helps the Behaviour Support Practitioner develop a more complete understanding of the participant and their circumstances.

The focus is collaborative: understanding what is happening and developing safer, practical and sustainable support.
Working With Support Workers & Providers

Support workers and providers can also contribute valuable information because they may observe the participant across everyday activities, environments and situations.

Information can include:
  • Incidents.
  • Behaviour patterns.
  • Daily routines.
  • Environments.
  • Existing strategies.
  • Signs of escalation.
  • Community access.
  • Support arrangements.
  • Strategies that work well.
  • Areas of concern.
  • Changes over time.

Collaboration helps create a more complete picture and supports greater consistency when strategies are implemented across the participant's support team.

Risk Assessment vs Functional Behaviour Assessment

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment and Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) are related, but they answer different questions.

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment

Primarily considers:
What potential harm could occur, how significant is the risk and what can reduce or manage that risk?

Functional Behaviour Assessment
Primarily explores:
Why might the behaviour be occurring, what function or purpose may it serve, and what circumstances influence or maintain it?

A Risk Assessment can help identify behaviours and situations requiring priority attention.

An FBA develops a deeper understanding of the behaviour itself and the factors associated with it.

Depending on the participant's circumstances, both can form part of the broader Positive Behaviour Support assessment process.
Learn About Functional Behaviour Assessments
Risk Assessment vs Behaviour Support Plan

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment and a Behaviour Support Plan also have different purposes.

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment
Identifies and evaluates potential risks, the circumstances surrounding them and appropriate safeguards.

Behaviour Support Plan
Documents individualised strategies and recommendations for supporting the participant and responding to behaviours of concern.

Information identified through risk assessment can therefore help inform the development or review of a Behaviour Support Plan.

Learn About NDIS Behaviour Support Plans
Risk Assessments & Restrictive Practices

Risk assessment doesn't automatically lead to restrictive practices.

Positive Behaviour Support focuses on developing proactive, person-centred and least restrictive approaches wherever possible.

However, some strategies intended to manage risk can restrict a participant's rights or freedom.

Under the NDIS, regulated restrictive practices include:
  • Seclusion.
  • Chemical restraint.
  • Mechanical restraint.
  • Physical restraint.
  • Environmental restraint.

Specific requirements apply where regulated restrictive practices are used.

The broader goal of Positive Behaviour Support is to understand the reasons for behaviours of concern, develop effective proactive supports and work towards reducing and eliminating the use of restrictive practices.

Learn About Behaviour Support Plans & Restrictive Practices
Can a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment Be Completed via Telehealth?

Parts of a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can be completed through telehealth where appropriate.

This can include:
  • Participant consultation.
  • Family consultation.
  • Support-worker interviews.
  • Support Coordinator meetings.
  • Review of incident information.
  • Behaviour-data review.
  • Review of existing assessments.
  • Behaviour Support Plan review.
  • Collaboration with other professionals.

Whether additional observation, environmental assessment or face-to-face involvement is required depends on the participant's circumstances, the risks being assessed and the information required to complete an appropriate assessment.

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support via telehealth across Western Australia where appropriate.
Learn About Positive Behaviour Support via Telehealth
Risk Assessment as Part of Positive Behaviour Support

Risk assessment can form one part of a broader Positive Behaviour Support process.

Depending on the participant's circumstances, this can include:

Behaviour Support Risk Assessment
↓
Positive Behaviour Support Assessment
↓
Functional Behaviour Assessment
↓
Behaviour Support Planning
↓
Implementation, Monitoring & Review

This isn't a fixed sequence that every participant must follow.

The assessment and support process is individualised according to the participant's needs, goals, circumstances and Behaviour Support requirements.

Belong Health is a registered NDIS provider supporting eligible NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Learn More About Positive Behaviour Support & the NDIS
Looking for a Falls Risk Assessment?

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment is different from an Occupational Therapy Falls Risk Assessment.

This page relates specifically to risk assessment within Positive Behaviour Support, including risks associated with behaviours of concern, situations, environments and support arrangements.
If the primary concern relates to:
  • Falls.
  • Balance.
  • Mobility.
  • Transfers.
  • Physical function.
  • Home safety.
an Occupational Therapy assessment may be more appropriate.

Learn About Falls Risk Assessments
NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessments in Perth

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Perth and surrounding areas.
​
Depending on the participant and practitioner, services can include:
🏡 Home visits
🏫 School visits where available and appropriate
🌳 Community visits
💻 Telehealth
🤝 Support-team consultation

Our broader Behaviour Support team supports children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

💙 Immediate Positive Behaviour Support capacity available.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Perth

Find a PBS Practitioner Near Me
NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessments in Mandurah & Peel

Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Mandurah, Peel and surrounding areas.

Depending on the participant and practitioner, services can include:
  • Clinic appointments.
  • Home visits.
  • Community visits.
  • Support-team consultation.
  • Telehealth.
  • A combination of service-delivery methods.

Our Falcon allied health clinic provides an additional option for appropriate clinic-based appointments.

💙 Immediate Positive Behaviour Support capacity available.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support Mandurah
Behaviour Support Risk Assessments via Telehealth Across WA

Where appropriate, components of Behaviour Support Risk Assessment and ongoing Positive Behaviour Support can be provided via telehealth across Western Australia, including:
📍 Perth
📍 Mandurah & Peel
📍 Regional Western Australia
📍 Rural Western Australia
📍 Remote Western Australia

The Behaviour Support Practitioner determines the information and assessment methods required according to the participant's individual circumstances.

Explore Positive Behaviour Support via Telehealth
What Happens After a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment goes beyond producing a risk rating.

The findings help guide practical strategies, safeguards and next steps.

Depending on the participant's individual circumstances, recommendations can include:
  • Proactive Positive Behaviour Support strategies.
  • Environmental changes.
  • Communication supports.
  • Skill development.
  • Changes to support arrangements.
  • Guidance for family members, carers or support workers.
  • Further Functional Behaviour Assessment.
  • Behaviour Support Plan development or review.
  • Collaboration with other clinicians.
  • Monitoring identified risks.
  • Reviewing whether strategies are working.
  • Updating strategies as circumstances change.

The goal is to translate the assessment into meaningful strategies that support safety, participation, independence and quality of life.

How to Get Started With a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, particularly when there are significant behaviours of concern or safety issues involved.

You don't need to know exactly what type of Behaviour Support assessment is required before contacting us.

Our team can discuss what's happening and help determine the most appropriate next steps.
Step 1 - Contact Our Team
The first step is to contact Belong Health by phone, email or through our online enquiry form.
We'll discuss:
  • Who the support is for.
  • The participant's age.
  • Their current support needs.
  • Behaviours of concern.
  • Identified risks or safety concerns.
  • Where services are required.
  • Current supports.
  • Existing Behaviour Support arrangements.
  • Funding arrangements, including NDIS or private services.
  • Other professionals involved.
  • Any questions you have.
Participants, families, Support Coordinators and other professionals are welcome to contact us.

Step 2 - Free 20-Minute Connect Session
We offer a free 20-minute Connect Session to help you make an informed decision about the next steps.
This is an opportunity to:
  • Discuss your situation.
  • Explain the current concerns.
  • Ask questions about Positive Behaviour Support.
  • Discuss whether a Risk Assessment may be appropriate.
  • Understand how assessment can be completed.
  • Discuss available service options.
There is no obligation to proceed following the Connect Session.

Step 3 - Matching You With the Right Behaviour Support Practitioner
If you decide to proceed, we'll recommend the Behaviour Support Practitioner who best matches the participant's individual needs.
When making this recommendation, we consider factors such as:
  • Age.
  • Support needs.
  • Behaviours of concern.
  • Identified risks.
  • Goals.
  • Preferred service location.
  • Service-delivery requirements.
  • Practitioner experience and areas of interest.
  • Availability.
Our aim is to connect the participant with the practitioner who is the best fit for their circumstances.

Step 4 - Assessment & Information Gathering
The Behaviour Support Practitioner works collaboratively with the participant and their support network to understand the participant and the risks being assessed.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include:
  • Meeting with the participant.
  • Gathering background information.
  • Speaking with family members or carers.
  • Consulting with support workers.
  • Reviewing incident information.
  • Reviewing behaviour data.
  • Reviewing existing reports and plans.
  • Observation where appropriate.
  • Considering environmental factors.
  • Consulting with other professionals where appropriate.
The assessment process is individualised according to the participant's circumstances.

Step 5 - Recommendations & Ongoing Positive Behaviour Support
Once the assessment is completed, the findings guide the next stage of support.
Depending on the participant, this can include:
  • Risk-management strategies.
  • Proactive Positive Behaviour Support strategies.
  • Environmental changes.
  • Further assessment.
  • Functional Behaviour Assessment.
  • Behaviour Support Plan development or review.
  • Implementation support.
  • Support-team coaching.
  • Monitoring.
  • Review and adjustment of strategies over time.
For many participants, Positive Behaviour Support is an ongoing collaborative process rather than a single assessment.
Immediate Positive Behaviour Support Capacity
💙 Currently Accepting New PBS Enquiries

Belong Health currently has immediate Positive Behaviour Support capacity for children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

Our Behaviour Support team provides Behaviour Support Risk Assessments where appropriate across:
📍 Perth & surrounding areas
📍 Mandurah, Peel & surrounding areas
💻 Telehealth across Western Australia where appropriate

Participants, families, Support Coordinators and other referrers are welcome to contact us.
Enquire About Positive Behaviour Support

Free 20-Minute Connect Session

Not Sure What Type of Assessment Is Required?

That's okay.

You may know there is a behaviour or risk that needs addressing without knowing whether the participant requires:
  • A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment.
  • A Functional Behaviour Assessment.
  • A broader Positive Behaviour Support Assessment.
  • A Behaviour Support Plan.
  • Ongoing Positive Behaviour Support.
  • Another type of assessment or service.

Our free 20-minute Connect Session gives you an opportunity to explain what's happening, ask questions and discuss the most appropriate next steps.

There is no obligation to proceed.
Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

    Positive behAviour supports ENQUIRY FORM

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessments

What is a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?
A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment is a structured process for identifying, understanding and evaluating potential risks associated with behaviours of concern, situations, environments and support arrangements. It helps identify factors that increase or reduce risk and guides practical strategies and safeguards.

What does an NDIS Behaviour Support Risk Assessment look at?
The assessment is individualised to the participant. Depending on their circumstances, it can consider the behaviour, potential harm, likelihood and consequences, environments, situations, people affected, previous incidents, existing safeguards, protective factors and strategies that can reduce or manage risk.

What types of behaviour can be risk assessed?
Risk assessment can be relevant to behaviours such as physical aggression, self-injury, property damage, leaving environments unexpectedly, unsafe community behaviour or other behaviours of concern associated with potential harm. The assessment focuses on the individual participant and their circumstances rather than their diagnosis alone.

Who can be at risk?
Depending on the circumstances, potential risk can relate to the participant themselves, family members, carers, support workers, peers, housemates or other people.

Does having a Risk Assessment mean someone is dangerous?
No. A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment identifies specific behaviours, situations and circumstances associated with potential harm. It doesn't label the participant as a dangerous person.

What is dignity of risk?
Dignity of risk recognises a person's right to make choices and participate in life experiences that can involve some level of risk. Risk management considers safety while also respecting the participant's autonomy, independence, choice, control and meaningful participation.

Does risk management mean eliminating all risk?
No. Risk is a normal part of everyday life. Risk management identifies proportionate strategies and safeguards that support safety while maintaining the participant's rights, independence and participation wherever possible.

What is the difference between a Risk Assessment and an FBA?
A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment considers what potential harm could occur, how significant the risk is and how the risk can be reduced or managed. A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) explores why a behaviour may be occurring, the function or purpose it may serve and the circumstances that influence or maintain it.

Can someone need both a Risk Assessment and an FBA?
Yes. They answer different but related questions. Depending on the participant's circumstances, both can form part of the broader Positive Behaviour Support assessment process.

What is the difference between a Risk Assessment and a Behaviour Support Plan?
A Risk Assessment identifies and evaluates potential risks and appropriate safeguards. A Behaviour Support Plan documents individualised strategies and recommendations for supporting the participant. Risk Assessment findings can help inform Behaviour Support Planning.

Can family members contribute to a Risk Assessment?
Yes. With appropriate consent, family members and carers can provide important information about behaviour patterns, previous incidents, routines, environments, communication and strategies that have or haven't worked.

Can support workers contribute to a Risk Assessment?
Yes. Support workers can provide valuable information about incidents, behaviour patterns, environments, routines, community access, escalation and existing support strategies.

Can a Support Coordinator refer someone for a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?
Yes. Support Coordinators and other professionals can contact Belong Health regarding Positive Behaviour Support referrals and enquiries.

Is the participant involved in their Risk Assessment?
The participant is central to the assessment. Wherever possible and appropriate, their goals, preferences, experiences and views are included in ways that reflect their communication needs and individual circumstances.

Can Risk Assessment help with community access?
Yes. Where behaviours of concern create potential risks during community participation, assessment can identify the circumstances associated with increased risk and strategies that support safer and more meaningful participation.

Can Risk Assessment be used in SIL?
Yes. Behaviour Support Risk Assessment can be relevant within Supported Independent Living where behaviours of concern affect the participant, housemates, support workers, environment or support arrangements.

Can Risk Assessment be relevant to SDA?
Yes. For participants living in or considering Specialist Disability Accommodation, assessment can consider how behaviour, environmental design and support arrangements interact.

Can a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment be completed via telehealth?
Parts of the assessment can be completed remotely where appropriate, including interviews, incident review, behaviour-data review and support-team consultation. Whether observation, environmental assessment or face-to-face involvement is required depends on the participant and the risks being assessed.

Does Risk Assessment automatically lead to restrictive practices?
No. Risk Assessment doesn't automatically lead to restrictive practices. Positive Behaviour Support focuses on proactive, person-centred and least restrictive approaches that appropriately address risk while respecting the participant's rights.

Can a safety strategy actually be a restrictive practice?
Yes, depending on what the strategy involves and why it is being used. Some strategies intended to manage risk can restrict a participant's rights or freedom and may meet the definition of a regulated restrictive practice. Specific NDIS requirements apply where regulated restrictive practices are used.

Is a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment the same as a Falls Risk Assessment?
No. Behaviour Support Risk Assessment focuses on risks associated with behaviours of concern, situations, environments and support arrangements. Falls Risk Assessments generally focus on areas such as falls, balance, mobility, physical function and environmental safety and may be completed by an Occupational Therapist.

Do you provide Behaviour Support Risk Assessments in Perth?
Yes. Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Perth and surrounding areas, including Behaviour Support Risk Assessment where appropriate.

Do you provide Behaviour Support Risk Assessments in Mandurah?
Yes. Belong Health provides Positive Behaviour Support across Mandurah, Peel and surrounding areas, including Behaviour Support Risk Assessment where appropriate.

Do you provide Behaviour Support across regional WA?
Yes. Telehealth can support participants across regional, rural and remote Western Australia where Positive Behaviour Support can appropriately be delivered remotely.

What happens after a Behaviour Support Risk Assessment?
The findings can inform risk-management strategies, environmental changes, further assessment, Functional Behaviour Assessment, Behaviour Support Plan development or review, implementation support, monitoring and other Positive Behaviour Support strategies.

What if I'm not sure whether a Risk Assessment is what we need?
You don't need to determine that yourself. Contact Belong Health or book a free 20-minute Connect Session to explain what's happening. Our team can discuss your situation and help determine the most appropriate next steps.
Behaviour Support Risk Assessments With Belong Health

A Behaviour Support Risk Assessment does more than identify what could go wrong.

It helps develop a clearer understanding of risk, the circumstances surrounding it and the practical strategies that can support safety while maintaining dignity, autonomy, participation, independence, choice and control.

Belong Health's Behaviour Support Practitioners work collaboratively with participants, families and support networks to develop individualised and practical approaches to risk as part of Positive Behaviour Support.

💙 Immediate Positive Behaviour Support Capacity

👧 Children
🧑 Adolescents
👨 Adults
👵 Older Adults
⚠️ Behaviour Support Risk Assessments
🔎 Functional Behaviour Assessments
📑 Behaviour Support Plans
🤝 Support-Team Collaboration
📍 Perth & Mandurah
💻 Telehealth Across Western Australia
✅ Registered NDIS Provider
✅ Free 20-Minute Connect Session

Enquire About a Positive Behaviour Support
Book a Free 20-Minute Connect Session
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Find a PBS Practitioner Near Me

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us a message
​Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.
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