Supported decision-making
People should be supported to understand options, communicate preferences and make decisions about their own life and support.
0138 · Supported Independent LivingSIL should feel like
SIL should feel like
your home, your life.
From 1 July 2026, SIL is a mandatory-registration support with dedicated Practice Standards focused on participant voice, safeguarding, governance and housing/support arrangements.
The 2026 SIL Practice Standards
Four pillars participants should be able to feel in everyday life.
The new standards apply to SIL providers who must be registered from 1 July 2026.
Safeguarding
Support should protect rights and safety while responding to risks without unnecessarily taking control away from the participant.
Practice governance
Providers need systems, oversight and evidence that SIL is delivered consistently, safely and accountably.
Housing & support arrangements
Tenancy, housing and support arrangements should be clear and transparent so participants understand what is connected and what is separate.
Participant reflective questions
Questions that protect choice at home.
Use these with Bestcare or any SIL provider.
Do I understand who controls the house and who controls my support?Ask how tenancy/housing and support-provider arrangements relate.
Can I make choices about my daily routine, visitors, food and activities?Your home should not operate like an institution simply because support is provided there.
Can I raise a concern without being afraid of losing support or housing?Complaint and advocacy pathways should be safe and visible.
What happens if I want to change my support provider?Ask specifically what changing support means for your housing arrangement.
Registration rule: New or unregistered providers that are not already delivering SIL cannot simply start SIL while waiting for a registration decision. Other transition pathways exist for providers already delivering SIL or who applied in certain timeframes. Bestcare’s specific lawful position must be confirmed rather than inferred from this website.