Supported Decision Making

		What is supported decision making? According to Manitoba legislation, supported decision making means: “Supported Decision Making refers to the process whereby a vulnerable person is enabled to make and communicate decision with respect to personal care for his or her property and in which advice, support or assistance is provided to the vulnerable person by members of his or her support network.
		What does that mean? According to the Family guide to the Vulnerable Persons’ Act it means: The process of supported decision making encourages your son/daughter’s Support Network to provide assistance for him/her to make decisions.
		But what does it mean for you!! It means that YOU make decisions about how you want to live your life. It means you decide where you want to live, what you want to do during the day, what you eat, how you dress, when you go to sleep and who your friends are. But it also means that all people need help making decisions, especially people who haven’t had the chance to do it very much. You may be one of those people. So supported decision making means that you will receive support, advice, suggestions, recommendations, information and all the stuff you will need in order to decide for yourself. When you begin to receive ICOF funding you will have a Support Network. They will likely be the ones who will help and guide you. You will choose who will be on your network and it’s an important decision because you are choosing the people that you want to give you support and advice. Remember, in supported decision making, the final decision is yours.
		What if I make mistakes? You likely will! We all do - especially when we are learning how to make good decisions for ourselves. Hopefully you will be receiving good advice and if you make decisions that don’t turn out very well, your Support Network will be there to help you get up and start again. Sometimes the people on your Support Network may have a difficult time stepping back and watching you make your own choices. Remember, they are learning too. They may be used to making all the decisions for you. You may need to remind them that it is your choice. Talk to your staff or your LIFE Resource Staff if you want some help with this.