Supported decision-making

Supported decision-making is an approach in which a person makes their own decisions with assistance they choose. It preserves the person's authority rather than transferring it to someone else.

Decision-making capacity: The ability to understand, retain, use or weigh relevant information, and communicate a decision. Support can help a person exercise these abilities, which may vary by decision and circumstance.
Guardianship: A legal arrangement granting a court-appointed guardian authority over some decisions for another person. Unlike supported decision-making, guardianship can transfer legal decision-making authority.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A 2006 United Nations treaty affirming the rights and equal participation of persons with disabilities. Article 12's equal recognition before the law has shaped international debates about decision support.
Supported decision-making agreement: An arrangement documenting how a person chooses to receive help with decisions. It can identify trusted supporters and define the assistance the person wants.
Legal capacity: Recognition of a person's ability to hold rights and exercise them in law. Supported decision-making seeks to make legal agency effective through individualized assistance.
Informed consent: Voluntary agreement to an intervention after receiving and understanding relevant information. Chosen assistance can make information accessible while leaving consent with the person.
Substituted judgment: A standard in which a proxy decides as they believe the person would have decided. It assigns the decision to a proxy, rather than supporting the person to decide.
Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: The treaty provision affirming legal capacity and access to support for persons with disabilities. Its interpretation is a central international reference point for supported decision-making.
Mental health advance directive: A legal document stating a person's mental health treatment preferences for a future crisis. It records choices in advance and can guide supporters during periods of distress.
Autonomy: A person's ability and right to direct their own life and choices. The approach treats autonomy as compatible with relying on other people's help.

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