Making Choices is Hard! Supported Decision-Making Action Plan

Action Plans > Making choices is hard: Supported Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship Action Plan

Supported Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship Action Plan

An individual is legally considered an adult at the age of 18. This is called age of majority. Before this happens, an individual and their family/care partner will need to decide on how to support the young adult’s self-determination. Supported decision-making refers to the many ways we all get assistance making decisions that affect our lives. Full or limited guardianship is appropriate when the young adult is unable to understand or make their own decision.

To create a custom action plan, select the items below that are relevant to you or someone you support. Upon submission, you will see a summary of your items, which is your personalized action plan. This form will not be saved, however you will be able to print the summary, and if you provided an optional email address, the results will be emailed to you immediately.

Acronym Key: SDM = Supported Decision Making | IEP = Individualized Education Program

Supported Decision Making

Understand what supported decision-making (SDM) includes and how to use it.

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Supporting Choice And Self-Determination Videos, Supported Decision-Making

Develop and practice decision-making skills.

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Supporting Choice And Self-Determination Videos

Continually evaluate decision-making skills and capacity.

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: MO Guardianship Materials

Set developmentally-appropriate goals to develop decision-making skills through supported decision-making (SDM).

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Supported Decision-Making

IEP Process

Prepare student to participate in the IEP transition process of assessing their needs, preferences, and interests.

Approximate Age: 14 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP team, and family

If a student is not participating already, they should begin to participate in the IEP meeting. This is an important opportunity for the student to practice self-determination and learn how to advocate for their own future.

Approximate Age: 14 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP team, and family

Resources: 4 Ways Students Can Take an Active Role in Their IEP Meetings

The IEP Team will discuss the transfer of rights at least one year prior to the student reaching age 18, age of majority. This is to make sure the student and parents understand that the student’s right to make educational decisions for the IEP will transfer to the student when he or she turns 18. * In most cases, the transfer of rights at age 18 is an appropriate action. In some cases, if the student is unable to understand or make their own decisions, parents may wish to consider full or limited guardianship. Keep in mind there are many alternatives to guardianship. Supported decision-making offers a range of options that give parents an opportunity for continued input into the student’s educational path.

Approximate Age: 17 | Who can help: Individual, School/IEP team, and family

Resources: Rethinking Guardianship

Preparing to turn 18

Understand what legal status and age of majority mean. It is important that all are aware of the legal changes that happen when a person turns 18 and what it means for the individual and the family/care partner regarding decision making.

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

Set up power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney to take effect when the individual turns 18.

Approximate Age: 17 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: General, Financial, Legal And Healthcare Supports

Consider whether a limited guardianship, guardianship of the person and/or guardianship of the estate may be appropriate.*With any of these options, supported-decision making is still an important tool for centering the individual in decisions that pertain to them.

Approximate Age: 17 | Who can help: Individual and family

Resources: Healthcare Power of Attorney, Power of Attorney

Support the individual’s development of communication skills for sharing personal information such as mailing address, date of birth, phone number. Address safety precautions regarding protecting this information.

Approximate Age: 12 | Who can help: Individual and family

If the individual is not their own guardian, ensure that designated guardianship wishes are relayed in the parents’ will and letter of intent

Approximate Age: 18 | Who can help: Family

Additional Items

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Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and should not be taken as legal advice. Services and programs mentioned may vary by county. Please consult with professionals with expertise in this topic area for guidance specific to you, your family or student/client’s situation. Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.