Resource Link

https://health.ucdavis.edu/media-resources/mind-institute/documents/pdfs/1663-fact-sheet.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This document explains a new California law called AB 1663 that aims to change how conservatorships work. The law wants to help people with disabilities and older adults keep their right to make choices about their lives. It was created after Britney Spears' case showed problems with California's conservatorship system.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: In California, there is a system called probate conservatorship. It lets someone else make choices for a person with disabilities or an older adult. These choices can be about where to live and what to eat. They can be about healthcare and how to spend money. Once someone is in conservatorship, it's very hard for them to get out of it. The new law wants to make sure people try other options first. One main option is called Supported Decision-Making. This means people pick trusted helpers to explain choices and help them make decisions. The person with a disability still gets to make their own final choice. The law makes four big changes. First, it helps people avoid conservatorship by making Supported Decision-Making a legal option. Second, it makes courts try other options before conservatorship. Third, it makes it easier to end conservatorship if the person doesn't need or want it anymore. Fourth, it gives people under conservatorship more say in their lives. Under this law, conservators must listen to what the person wants. They must try to make choices that match their wishes. They must also help the person learn to make more choices on their own. The courts must first consider letting family members or other trusted people chosen by the person be the conservator before picking someone else. Many disability rights groups support this law. It protects people's rights while making sure they can get help when they need it. The law creates programs to teach people about Supported Decision-Making and other ways to help someone make choices and keep their rights. The main goal is to make sure people keep their right to make choices about their own lives. The law recognizes that most people can make good choices when they have the right support and information.