Missouri's statute on guardianship updated its language to include that least restrictive alternative to guardianship be explored prior to filing for guardianship.

RSMo 475.361:

(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.

Supported-Decision Making Consortium