Guardianship and Alternatives Webpage

Guardianship is a legal process designed to protect people at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  It removes rights and privileges from a person determined to be “incapacitated” under State law.  The process involves the court system and an attorney.  Guardianship may be full (whereby all rights and privileges are removed) or may be partial (where some rights are assigned to the person with a disability – like the right to vote, marry, or choose where they live). 

Alternatives To Guardianship

Effective September 1, 2018, transition planning for students must address: 

1) the use and availability of appropriate opportunities to assist the student in developing decision-making skills, and

2) supports and services that foster the student’s independence and self-determination, including a supported decision-making agreement.

For some students with disabilities, guardianship may be the only option.  Yet, it is important for parents to know that guardianship is not the ONLY option which will allow them to actively participate in the ARD process after their child turns 18. 

Click the links below to learn more about Guardianship and Alternatives.

A Guide to Guardianship

 

Spanish A Guide to Guardianship

 

Alternatives to Guardianship

 

Info for Parents - Alternatives to Guardianship.pdf  

 

Supported Decision Making Agreements

 

Blank Supported Decision Making Agreement Form