Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements

Virginia now formally recognizes Supported Decision-Making Agreements as an alternative to more restrictive, substitute decision-making options, such as legal guardianships. Supported Decision-Making Agreements are a way for adults with developmental disabilities living in Virginia to document when they want to receive support with making decisions, how they want to receive support, and who they want to help them. Supported Decision-Making Agreements give individuals with developmental disabilities the ability to receive support with making various choices in their lives, while also retaining all of their rights, including the right to make their own decisions.

For questions regarding Supported Decision-Making and/or Supported Decision-Making Agreements please contact Sara Thompson at Sara.Thompson@dbhds.virginia.gov.


Virginia’s Supported Decision-Making Agreement template and Supplemental Documents/ Acuerdo para la toma de decisiones con apoyo del Estado de Virginia – Plantilla


Making My Own Decisions- It’s My Right!

Everyone has the right to meaningfully participate in making decisions about their life. Human Rights Regulations say that anyone who has capacity (can take in information, make a decision using that information, and then communicate their decision to others) can consent (agree) to services, treatment, or research, or agree for others to see and/or get information about them. Even if you have capacity, you still might want help with making some decisions and that is okay. If you have questions about your right to make decisions or about your other rights, please see information on the Office of Human Rights’ website by clicking here


Training Videos and Documents

  • Recording: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements: The Details Session 1 for Individuals and Families *Coming Soon*
  • Slides: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements:  The Details Session 1  for Individuals and Families
  • Recording: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements: The Details Session 2 for Individuals and Families  *Coming Soon*
  • Slides: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements:  The Details Session 2  for Individuals and Families *Coming Soon*
  • Recording: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements: The Details (For General Public)  *Coming Soon*
  • Slides: Supported Decision-Making and Supported Decision-Making Agreements: The Details (For General Public) *Coming Soon*
  • Questions & Answers from Trainings 

  • Recordings of all 4 sessions can be viewed by clicking here- PEATC Videos 
  • *Coming Soon*:
    • Session 1: What is Supported Decision-Making and What Kind of Support Do I Want? (pdf)
    • Session 2: When Do I Want Support? (pdf)
    • Session 3: Relationship Map and Selecting Your Supporters (pdf)
    • Session 4: Virginia’s Supported Decision-Making Agreement template (pdf)

To get more help with decision-making options and supported decision-making agreements click on these resources: