Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship that empowers people with disabilities to make decisions with support and help from trusted friends and family members. A supported decision-making agreement is a legal document that formalizes the relationship between a person with a disability and their support team. This article will discuss what a supported decision-making agreement is, the benefits of having one, and how to create one.
What is a Supported Decision-Making Agreement?
A supported decision-making agreement is a legal document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of a person with a disability and their support team. It outlines specific ways that supporters can help the person with a disability make decisions, while still maintaining their autonomy and control over their own life. A supported decision-making agreement may include:
– A list of supporters who have agreed to help the person with a disability make decisions
– The types of decisions that the person with a disability wants help with
– How supporters will help the person with a disability make decisions (e.g., research options, provide information, facilitate communication)
– How often supporters will meet with the person with a disability to discuss decisions
– How disputes will be resolved
Benefits of a Supported Decision-Making Agreement
There are several benefits to having a supported decision-making agreement in place, including:
– Empowerment: A supported decision-making agreement allows people with disabilities to maintain control over their own lives, while still getting the support they need to make informed decisions.
– Improved decision-making: Having a team of supporters to help with decision-making can lead to better outcomes and more informed choices.
– Less restrictive alternative: Supported decision-making is a less restrictive alternative to guardianship, which can be limiting and take away a person`s autonomy.
– Legal protection: A supported decision-making agreement is a legal document that can protect the person with a disability and their supporters if there are disagreements or disputes.
How to Create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement
Creating a supported decision-making agreement involves several steps, including:
1. Identify potential supporters: The first step is to identify people who are willing and able to support the person with a disability in decision-making. This can include family members, friends, or professionals.
2. Determine the types of decisions that require support: The next step is to identify the types of decisions that the person with a disability wants help with. This can include medical decisions, financial decisions, or decisions related to housing.
3. Outline the roles and responsibilities of supporters: The supported decision-making agreement should outline the specific roles and responsibilities of each supporter. This can include how often they will meet with the person with a disability, how disputes will be resolved, and what types of support they will provide.
4. Create the agreement: Once all the details have been worked out, a supported decision-making agreement should be drafted. It is recommended that the agreement be reviewed by a lawyer to ensure that it is legally binding.
5. Sign and notarize the agreement: Once the agreement has been drafted, all parties should sign and notarize the document to make it official.
Supported decision-making is a powerful tool that can help people with disabilities maintain their autonomy and control over their own lives. A supported decision-making agreement is a key component of this process, as it outlines the roles and responsibilities of supporters and provides legal protection. If you or someone you know could benefit from supported decision-making, consider creating a supported decision-making agreement today.
