Supported Decision-Making
Missouri's statute on guardianship updated its language to include that least restrictive alternative to guardianship be explored prior to filing for guardianship.
(5) The least restrictive form of guardianship assistance, taking into consideration the ward's functional limitations, personal needs, and preferences;
As a least restrictive alternative to guardianship, Supported Decision-Making (SDM) is one approach that is supported by both national and local efforts.
In 2019 UMKC-IHD lead the Missouri DD Network in assembling the SDM Consortium in collaboration with national SDM leader, Jonathan Martinis, from the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making. Through the work of the SDM Consortium, stakeholders identified strategies and tools that informed resource development and implementation of SDM strategies across Missouri.
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) has funded the development of several SDM resource guides.