Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Affairs
Minister for Disability
Minister for Children, Youth and Families
Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety
Minister for Government Services and
Procurement
Minister for Urban Renewal

Member for Kurrajong

2
November 2018

Seminar series on reducing and eliminating

restrictive practice in the ACT
Today, the first of a series of free seminars will showcase current Australian research and evidence-
based practice for the reduction and elimination of restrictive practices in schools, disability services
and out-of-home care settings.

Organised by the ACT Senior Practitioner Mandy Donley, the seminar will host several experts from
around the country who will discuss evidence based approaches on topics such as reducing
restrictive practices in care and protection of children and in schools, creating restraint-free
environments and risk assessment in disability services.

The Senior Practitioner’s role is to work with Canberra providers to inform and assist in developing
strategies that ensure best practice in the ACT. Ms Donley’s powers extend to disability services,
including psychosocial disabilities; schools and other education settings; and children and young
people in out-of-home care.

The seminar series is recommended to community sector professionals; education staff; parents and
advocates; disability service providers; and senior Government and non-government policy
makers. There will be a children and young people in out-of-home care specific forum in early
February.

The Senior Practitioner Act 2018 commenced on 1 September 2018. The new legislation reflects the
ACT Government’s commitment to improving the lives of all people who are vulnerable and
potentially subject to restrictive practices, as well as supporting and upholding individuals’ rights
under the ACT Human Rights Act 2004.

Statement ends

Media contact:
Brenton Sloane T (02) 6205 7402 M 0431 252 698 E brenton.sloane@act.gov.au

ACT Legislative Assembly

Phone (02) 6205 2661 Email: stephen-smith@act.gov.au

@RachelSS_MLA rachelssMLA rachelss_mla