Resource Link

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/docs/librariesprovider95/default-document-library/sdm-parent-resource---final.pdf?sfvrsn=2f2b2dbb_0

Resource Description

Introduction: This document is a helpful resource for parents of young adults with disabilities. It explains an alternative to guardianship called Supported Decision-Making (SDM). Created by experts in Colorado, the guide helps parents understand how to support their children's independence as they become adults.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: When children with disabilities turn 18, parents often think about getting guardianship. But guardianship can take away a person's rights and freedom. Supported Decision-Making offers a better way to help young adults make choices. With Supported Decision-Making, the person with a disability stays in charge of their own life. They choose trusted people to help them understand choices and make decisions. These supporters can be family, friends, teachers, or other people who care about them. The guide suggests asking some key questions before seeking guardianship. Can your child make decisions with help? Do they have a plan for growing more independent? Are there trusted people in their life? If you answer yes to these, guardianship might not be needed. Guardianship can have big downsides. A judge might not choose parents as guardians. People without guardians often have more jobs, live on their own, and make more friends. Guardianship can be hard to change and costs money. Supported Decision-Making lets people keep their rights. The person always makes the final choice. Supporters help by finding information, talking through choices, and helping communicate decisions. They might help someone understand medical choices, school plans, or money matters. The guide suggests some legal papers that can help, like a Power of Attorney. These papers let supporters help with specific areas like health care or school records. Parents can get these papers without always needing a lawyer. The document answers many questions parents might have. What if a doctor doesn't want to work with the plan? What if parents are divorcing? What if the young adult wants to change supporters? The guide offers clear advice for these situations. The most important message is simple: People with disabilities have the right to make their own choices. With the right support, they can live more independent and happy lives. Supported Decision-Making is a way to help them do this. This resource can help parents move from protecting their children to supporting their growth and independence. It shows that there are caring ways to help young adults make choices that work for them.