NSW Supported decision making pilot Supported Decision Making Conference Melbourne 18 October 2013

2 Background NSW disability services reform –Need for additional supports for person- centred decision making Preparing for the NDIS Decision making continuum –Developing a greater range of supports for decision making

3 Supported decision making pilot Joint project: –Family and Community Services (ADHC) –NSW Trustee and Guardian –Public Guardian Independent evaluation

4 The participants People with disability who receive services from ADHC Including some people under NSWTG and/or Public Guardian With a range of circumstances –Age range –Service type –Life stage

5 The participants “I hope I can take full control of my money in the future”. “I hadn’t thought about risks before. It’s very true that you can make a bad decision”. “My supporter gives me ideas. I can talk things over” “The staff help me make decisions. I don’t have any friends who can help me”.

6 Supported decision making The person makes the decision With the support of others –One person –Circle of support –Service providers/volunteer? The person remains in control –the decisions –who will support –what kind of support

7 The person Assumption of capacity Person centred planning Uniqueness of individuals –Decision making style –Life circumstances

8 Challenges Getting started ‘What’s it all about’? Being person centred

9 Solutions: Getting started Engaging service providers Using a variety of strategies

10 Getting started The pilot team presented a session to service users in a life skills program. Several of the participants and staff were keen to join the pilot. The project officer met with caseworkers to explain the pilot. As a result one of the caseworkers identified an interested client and introduced the project officer.

11 Solutions: ‘What’s it all about’? Taking time Communication resources Using examples and scenarios

12 “What’s it all about”? “Ashe” was interested in being involved in the pilot but wasn’t sure what was involved. Her supporters came up with a practical example to try (choosing new shoes). Ashe enjoyed this experience and was able to associate this activity with the pilot. She then began to come up with her own ideas.

13 Solutions: Being person centred Use of pilot resources Learning from the person Sharing ideas

14 Being person centred “Joe” likes to record his decisions in his pilot workbook. He brings this book out every time he meets the pilot team. “Judy” uses a computer and found the support-my-decision website interesting “Ben” has an electronic choice making program which the pilot team used to help explore choices and preferences.

15 What will we learn? How did participants make decisions? What did supporters do? How did participants use the tools and resources? Were they helpful? Did education sessions help to increase knowledge?

16 Outcomes: the pilot A draft supported decision making framework Decision making tools and resources Educational material

17 Outcomes: evaluation Evidence base on the effectiveness of a framework for supported decision making Identifying key policy, legal and ethical considerations Evaluating the use of the tools, resources and educational material Recommendations for the broader application of a supported decision making framework