Resource Link

https://www.cpcidd.org/supported-decision-making/

Resource Description

Introduction: This brochure is an educational resource created by the California Policy Center that focuses specifically on how supported decision-making (SDM) can be used for financial decisions by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The document serves as a practical guide for individuals, families, and professionals who want to understand how SDM works in financial contexts and how it can help people maintain control over their money and financial choices.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: The resource begins by explaining what supported decision-making means in simple terms. It describes SDM as a personalized process that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make life decisions while preserving their independence and self-determination. The key concept is that the person receives support to understand their options and make informed choices themselves, rather than having someone else make decisions for them. It outlines how SDM agreements can be set up either informally through verbal agreements or formally through written contracts. For written agreements, it provides a checklist of required elements, including specifying what support is needed, ensuring the supporter understands their legal responsibilities, and obtaining proper signatures and witnesses. The document also focuses on practical applications of SDM in financial decision-making. It provides concrete examples of how supporters can help, such as assisting with understanding the pros and cons of purchases, explaining credit card interest rates, and helping choose where to open bank accounts. The brochure emphasizes that supporters help gather and explain financial information so the person can make informed choices. It also explains who can serve as a supporter—typically trusted family members, friends, or professionals chosen by the person with a disability. It also clearly lists who cannot be a supporter, including anyone with abuse allegations or legal restrictions against them. The brochure outlines five core principles for SDM in financial decisions: autonomy, inclusion, personalized support, flexibility, and using the least restrictive assistance necessary. It concludes by clearly defining what supporters can and cannot do, emphasizing that supporters help people understand financial information but never make decisions for someone else, sign documents on their behalf, or participate in decisions where they have a financial conflict of interest.