Least Restrictive Alternatives

Community Resources/Natural (Unpaid) Supports, cont'd

DHHS programs and case workers –

State programs and services may provide alternatives to guardianship. Case workers may help arrange for and coordinate a person’s services, such as home health, day habilitation, and mental health supports, and may also act as an advocate and consultant to the family during the period they are considering guardianship and its alternatives.

How do you determine if one or more of these alternatives are appropriate?

• Does the person have family members and friends who live nearby and are willing to help with support, supervision, or decision-making?
• Is the person willing to sign a Statement of Consent form to keep parents and family members involved in care and service?
• What resources and supports are available in the community or in the state? Do any of these resources or supports address a person’s care and support needs?

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