MO Guardianship: Understanding Your Options & Alternatives

National Community of Practice: Supporting Families throughout the Lifespan

Why are you thinking about Guardianship?

Someone may be telling you that you or someone you love needs to have a guardian. It might be school staff (schools routinely send out a letter about guardianship when a child who has an IEP turns 17), a medical professional, a service coordinator, or even another parent.

There is often a general assumption that just because someone has a disability, mental health diagnosis, or is aging, he or she will need a guardian. In reality, everyone is presumed competent to make choices about their own lives when they become an adult, unless a court says otherwise. With the right supports, many people with disabilities or special healthcare needs are able to remain “their own person,” making their own decisions and being in charge of their own lives. The trick is to find a balance- giving the person enough support and protection so they can live a safe and healthy life without taking away their rights and freedom to make choices and decisions for themselves.

There are a lot of reasons why individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and key supporters might be considering their guardianship options and alternatives for decision making support and/or protection. For example:

You have a child with a developmental disability close to the age of 18.
You have been told by an educator, service provider, or other professional that you need guardianship to maintain your rights to provide support and/or protection for someone you care about.
Someone is pressuring you to file for guardianship.
You or someone you know is, or is at risk for being, taken advantage of by others.
You have fears and concerns in relation to your current guardianship status.
You currently have a guardian, but don’t think you need one, or you don’t agree with the decisions they are making for you.
The individual you are concerned about currently needs protection or assistance.
You are seeking information about guardianship because someone you care for or someone you work with is experiencing a difficult time.

Before pursuing guardianship, it is important that you consider whether guardianship will achieve the outcome you desire. Guardianship is not a quick fix, it is a legal action that limits or denies a person the right to make their own decisions. It is important to consider the individual’s needs for support and/or protection and then ask, “How will having a guardian address each specific need?”

This website will provide you with information and tools you need to figure out which of the options and alternatives fit your family's unique situation. Use the options below to navigate or the menu at the topic to jump to the section you would like to view.

View the MOG training schedule or watch online >>
Read materials that explain guardianship >>
Watch personal stories from people in Missouri about guardianship >>

the training

Join us for a FREE workshop that will help you explore the options and alternatives to guardianship in Missouri! Two sessions available!

No workshops scheduled at this time. However, you may also watch the online training at any time!

Watch MO Guardianship: Understanding Your Options & Alternatives online

If you would like more information on hosting the training at your organization by using MO Guardianship materials, please contact (800) 773-8652 or email stjohnj@umkc.edu

materials

Download or view the MO Guardianship Resource Guide

MO Guardianship Resource Guide: 2nd Edition

Revised September 2013

Provides detailed and complete information on guardianship alternatives and options in written form.