Good practice in supported decision-making for people with disability: final report

Abstract

People with cognitive impairment may need additional support for day-to-day decision-making as well as more significant decisions.

This support may be provided formally through services, and informally by family and friends.

This is different to substitute decision-making where someone else makes a decision for them – this may be done by parents (for someone under 18 years) or by legally appointed guardians or trustees.

The research

Reviewed existing research on supported decision-making.

This identified key components, legal requirements, and safeguards of supported decision-making.

Engaged key stakeholders in terms of current decision-making supports and support needs.

This included government stakeholders, statutory organisations and disability organisations.

Led to the development of a Principles and Guide for supported decision-making and identified how stakeholders can implement the Principles and Guide.