Decision-Making, Capacity & Support Planning
Turning 18 changes the legal relationship between a young person and their parents or caregivers.
As young people with developmental, cognitive or communication disabilities prepare for adulthood, families may be encouraged to explore Guardianship and Trusteeship. These are two possible options within a broader range of decision-making supports. The best approach depends on the young person’s individual abilities, support needs and circumstances, with the goal of preserving their independence and participation in decisions wherever possible.
Start With the Young Person
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What decisions can this young person make independently?
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Where do they need information explained differently?
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Where could support allow them to remain the decision-maker?
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Are there specific areas where co-decision-making should be considered?
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Are there areas where substitute decision-making is necessary?
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Is financial decision-making different from personal decision-making?
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What accommodations improve communication and participation?
Areas That May Be Explored
Health & Health-Care Decisions
Understanding health needs, treatment recommendations, medication and when to seek assistance.
Accommodation
Understanding living arrangements, safety needs and available supports.
Education & Employment
Participating in decisions about education, training, work and vocational opportunities.
Relationships & Community
Understanding social choices, boundaries and personal safety.
Legal Matters
Recognizing basic legal consequences and when professional assistance may be required.
Financial Decisions
Understanding money, income, banking, spending, obligations and financial risk.
Self-Advocacy
Expressing preferences, asking questions, identifying when something is not understood and participating meaningfully in decisions.
Neurodivergent & Communication-Informed Assessment
Communication differences should not be mistaken for an inability to make decisions. Assessment may be adapted for individuals who:
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Are autistic
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Have intellectual or developmental disabilities
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Have ADHD
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Communicate non-verbally or minimally verbally
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Use augmentative or alternative communication
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Need additional processing time
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Benefit from visual or concrete information
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Have uneven cognitive or adaptive abilities
Previous psychological, psychoeducational, speech-language or functional assessments can be reviewed when relevant.
Mental Health Matters Too
For some young adults, decision-making is affected by a combination of developmental disability and mental health concerns. Assessment may consider the interaction between neurodevelopment, cognition, anxiety, mood, psychosis, behaviour, substance use, insight, risk, communication and functional ability.
The presence of a mental health condition does not, by itself, determine capacity.
Culturally Responsive Assessment
Assessment should respect the young person’s culture, identity, family relationships, communication style and community context.
Indigenous clients are welcome to identify the supports that are important to them. Where appropriate to the assessment and requested by the young person or family, this may include family, community supports, an Elder or Knowledge Keeper. Cultural supports are not assumed. They are guided by the individual and family.
Calgary Capacity Assessments welcomes opportunities to develop respectful relationships with Indigenous-led organizations and community services supporting youth transitioning to adulthood.
Capacity Assessment vs. Transition Navigation
Calgary Capacity Assessments focuses on clinical assessment of decision-making abilities and support needs. Community organizations such as Easter Seals Alberta provide separate transition-navigation services, including support with programs and application processes. Families may benefit from both types of service.