Once children turn 18, they are responsible for their own financial, medical and legal decisions. Adults can sign legally binding contracts and make decisions on where they live and whether or not to go to school. Some parents feel their adult child with a disability cannot make reasoned decisions and become their child’s legal guardian. However, adult children under guardianship lose some rights and independence, so the decision to seek guardianship is an important one. Alternatives to guardianship should be the first consideration before seeking guardianship over another individual. One of those alternatives is Supported Decision-Making. Supported Decision-Making can be used along with Guardianship or another alternative to Guardianship.

Vermont Family Network Resources

Vermont Resources