What to Include in an NDIS Support Referral

A clear referral helps an NDIS provider understand whether the requested support is within scope, whether the location and schedule are realistic, and whether a safe staff match is likely.

At Sonke Support, the best referrals usually give enough detail for an initial fit check without sending more sensitive information than is needed at the first step.

Start With the Practical Support Needed

Describe the main support being requested in plain language. Useful examples include:

• community access and appointments
• in-home routines and daily living support
• household tasks and meal routines
• practical life skills support
• regular support after school or during the week

If you are not sure which service label fits, explain what needs to happen during the week. The provider can usually map that to the right support type.

Include the Participant's Location and Timing

Location and timing matter because regular support depends on staff availability, travel, and worker match.

Helpful details include:

• participant suburb
• preferred days and times
• expected weekly support pattern
• whether the support is short-term or ongoing
• any timing pressure around the referral

For local referrals, Sonke currently lists priority service areas on the referral page, with separate pages for locations such as Nambour, Caloundra, Sippy Downs, Bribie Island, and Ningi.

Explain the Participant's Goals

The strongest referrals connect the requested support to the participant's plan goals and everyday life.

For example:

• building confidence with community access
• practising communication during errands or outings
• keeping a morning or evening routine steady
• learning household routines with prompting
• maintaining appointments or regular activities

This helps the provider understand whether the support should be mostly practical assistance, prompting, skill-building, transport-related support, or a mix.

Share Key Risks and Support Considerations

Do not send unnecessary documents through a website form. At the first step, a short summary is usually enough.

Relevant details may include:

• communication needs
• sensory considerations
• mobility or personal care needs
• current safety risks
• behaviours of concern
• whether a current behaviour support plan applies
• whether restrictive practices are involved and authorised

This helps the provider decide whether the referral needs a more careful review before a support conversation.

Name the Best Contact Person

Include who should be contacted next and what role they have. This may be the support coordinator, nominee, guardian, parent, participant, or another professional.

The best contact person should be able to answer practical questions about support goals, schedule, funding, risk, and next steps.

What Sonke Checks Before Accepting Support

Sonke checks whether the referral is within current service scope, whether the requested support can be delivered consistently, and whether the participant's goals, location, timing, risk profile, and staff match look realistic.

Sonke's current referral pathway is focused on regular support such as community access, in-home support, household tasks, and life skills development.

It is not a crisis pathway and is not for SIL, respite, group activities, therapy, plan management, support coordination, or public RRP marketing.

Make a Referral

If the support looks like it may fit Sonke's current scope, use the NDIS referral page to share the key details. Sonke aims to respond within 1 business day where possible.