Factors affecting guardianship practices for young adults with disabilities

Some contend developing self-determination in young adults with disabilities is the ultimate goal of education and promoting it may lead to improved postschool outcomes. Although there are efforts to promote self-determination, the results may be negated as an individual's right to make decisions are eliminated when a guardianship is imposed. This research is the first to examine guardianship as it affects young adults with disabilities. Two hundred and twenty-one court files were reviewed across nine jurisdictions in Michigan. Overall, 120 plenary guardians and 101 partial guardians were appointed. Distinctions between the powers of plenary and partial guardians, however, were often found to be minimal. Guardianship is a complex issue with many significant questions in need of answers.