Resource Link

https://health.ucdavis.edu/media-resources/mind-institute/documents/pdfs/supported_decision-making_for_supporters_-_pamphlet_ACLU.pdf

Resource Description

Introduction: This guide explains what it means to be a supporter in Supported Decision-Making. It's written for people who have been asked to help someone with a disability make their own choices. The guide comes from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and shows how being a supporter is different from being a guardian.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: When someone asks you to be their supporter, they are trusting you to help them make choices. This is very different from guardianship, where a judge gives someone the power to make choices for another person. As a supporter, you help the person make their own choices, but you don't choose for them. There are many ways to give support. You can explain things in simple words or talk through options. You can help find information about choices or go with the person to meetings. You can remind them about important dates or help them get to places they need to go. You can also help them think about what matters to them when making a choice. The guide makes it clear that supporters are not legally responsible for the choices someone makes. You just agree to help the person as best you can and in good faith. You do still have to follow the law and can't do things like fraud or abuse. Being a supporter is not a forever commitment, but you should plan to help for at least a year. It takes time to learn how to be a good supporter. You can also be part of a team of supporters, with different people helping in different ways. The most important thing to know is that supporters don't make choices for the person, even if they think the person is making a bad choice. Everyone learns by making mistakes sometimes. People are actually safer when they can make their own choices. If you think you would want to make choices for the person instead of helping them make their own, you should not be a supporter. The guide ends with contact information for places to learn more about Supported Decision-Making. It reminds readers that this role is about helping someone keep control of their own life while getting the support they need to make good choices.