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What Kinds of Alternatives to Guardianships Are There In Texas?
Supported decision-making is one kind of alternative, but it’s not the only type. Some other forms that you may want to consider for your loved one may include:- Statutory Durable Power of Attorney (essentially a financial power of attorney)
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Joint checking accounts
- Mental Health Case management
- Living Wills/Trusts
- Community advocacy systems
What Is the Process for Setting Up an SDM?
Someone who wants to use the SDM process will choose trusted loved ones, professionals, and family to serve as their supporters. Those individuals will not obtain guardianship powers. Instead, they will agree to work with the person with an ID/DD to understand their decisions, communicate those decisions, and consider them before going through with them. As a support system, everyone works as a team to help the person with an ID/DD weigh the pros and cons of their decisions. The support team may help the person with an ID/DD work with third parties or carry out arrangements that allow them to make changes in their life. Before an SDM goes into effect, all parties involved must sign an SDM agreement to understand their responsibilities and rights.What Are the Benefits of SDM?
SDM is beneficial because it gives a person with a disability more control over their own life. Instead of a caregiver approach, this is a rights-based approach. With SDM, the person with an ID/DD doesn’t lose their civil rights. They retain the right to:- Marry
- Vote
- Contract