Highlights

Supported decision-making (SDM) is an alternative to guardianship or conservatorship for individuals with disabilities that helps preserve their autonomy and decision-making. There are gaps in digital information about SDM. 

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often placed under conservatorship.

There is a lack of specific SDM information for people with dementia, neurological impairments, or serious mental illness and for youth transitioning from adolescence into adulthood, all of whom are at high risk for conservatorship.

Summary

Published Date: June 26, 2025

Supported decision-making (SDM) offers an alternative to guardianship or conservatorship for individuals with disabilities, preserving their autonomy while providing tailored support for important life decisions. California recently enacted legislation recognizing SDM as a formal legal alternative to conservatorship; however, full implementation of SDM requires accessible resources on what SDM is and how to use it. This policy brief presents findings from a gap analysis of digital SDM resources in California.

Findings: Digital information about supported decision-making (SDM) has significant gaps. Authors recommend development of materials tailored for various languages, cultures, and disability types and expansion of sector-specific guidance for full implementation of SDM to serve the needs of populations at high risk for conservatorships.

Data Points

21.4%

Percentage of SDM resources available in languages other than English, although 44.1% of California households speak a language other than English at home.

1.2%

Percentage of SDM resources that were specific to employment. Most SDM resources were generic (32.1%).

22.6%

Percentage of SDM resources targeted for an older adult audience, compared with 84.5% for caregivers.

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