Do you have a family member in Chicago with a disability or mental illness? It can be hard to balance their safety and independence. This challenge can come up in daily decisions, healthcare choices and financial matters. Supported decision-making offers a middle ground. It helps individuals maintain control while receiving assistance. This idea is catching on in Chicago as an option to traditional guardianship.
Supported decision-making aligns with efforts to empower people with disabilities and mental illnesses. It recognizes how these people can often make their own choices. This method boosts dignity and inclusion, which are fundamental rights for all.
Supported decision-making’s legal framework in Illinois
In Chicago, supported decision-making usually involves help from family, friends, experts and advocates. It differs from guardianship, which gives control to someone else. With this method, the person stays in charge of their choices.
Illinois enacted the Supported Decision-Making Act in 2021. The law provides a legal framework for supported decision-making as an alternative option to guardianship.
Key aspects of the resolution include:
- Encouraging courts to consider less restrictive options before guardianship
- Allowing individuals to choose their own supporters
- Applying supported decision-making to health care, financial and educational decisions
These points show that in Chicago, supported decision-making can be adapted to each person’s needs.
Starting supported decision-making
To help a family member begin the supported decision-making process, you can assist them in:
- Finding areas needing help
- Picking trusted supporters
- Writing an agreement about roles and tasks
- Checking and updating the agreement
This plan provides initial guidance. You can refine it as needed, thanks to the flexibility of supported decision-making.
This approach is changing how Chicago thinks about disability and freedom. It helps your loved ones stay independent. At the same time, it makes sure they get the help they need to make good choices and plan for the future.
