5 questions worth asking to choose the right NDIS provider for your child

Handing your child's support to someone new is a big deal. The good news is that you are allowed to interview a provider before you commit, and the right one will welcome every question you have. You do not need to know all the jargon. You just need to know what quality support looks like and what to ask. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission has a helpful resource for parents and carers that sets the standard. Here are the five questions we think matter most, drawn straight from it. 

1. How will you involve me and my child in decisions? 

A quality provider keeps your child in the driving seat. Listen for how they will offer real choices, communicate in your child's preferred way, and set goals together with you rather than handing you a plan to sign.

2. What are your qualifications, and are you registered for the supports my child needs? 

Ask what training and experience they have for your child's specific supports. Some supports, including behaviour support plans and regulated restrictive practices, can only be delivered by a registered NDIS provider. It is fair to ask about registration and about membership with the relevant professional body. 

3. What safety checks do your workers have?

Anyone working with your child needs a valid Working with Children Check for their state or territory. Many workers also hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance, which is mandatory for workers of registered NDIS providers. Ask about both, and about professional liability insurance.

4. How will you measure progress on my child's goals? 

Good support shows up in everyday life. Ask how they will track progress towards the goals in your child's plan, how often they will review it with you, and how they will adjust when something is not working.

5. How do I raise a concern or give feedback?

A provider you can trust makes this easy and never makes you feel awkward for asking. You have every right to speak up, and to do so without fear of losing services.

Quick signs you are in good hands

• Communicates in your child's preferred way

• Offers real choices and respects a 'no'

• Builds skills through play and daily routines

• Leaves room for rest, family and friends

Never acceptable, no matter how it is framed

• Forcing your child to do something they do not want to

• Isolating your child from others as punishment

• Using force to hold your child down

• Sharing your child's information without your consent

  
  

Where District 360 fits 

District 360 is a registered NDIS provider, and we believe families make the strongest decisions when they have clear information. If you would like to talk through your options, or ask us any of the questions above, our team is happy to help.

To read the full resource, search for "Quality support for children in the NDIS" on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website. To chat with our team, call 1800 411 818 or visit www.district360.com.au.