On this page, we talk about supported decision‑making.

On this page:

• What supported decision‑making is
• How supported decision‑making can help
• What to do before you use supported decision‑making
• How to support someone who is in danger

Supported decision‑making includes 4 important ideas about people’s rights.

1. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions.
2. Everyone has the right to take risks.
3. Everyone has the right to get the support they need.
4. Everyone should respect the decisions people make.

When you use supported decision‑making, you help someone decide what they want to do.

You do not make the decision for them.

You can find out more about supported decision‑making on the Council for Intellectual Disability website.

Supported decision‑making can help someone get the information they need to make a decision.

For example, you could share information with the person about how to be safe online.

You can find out more on our page about how to be safe online.

Supported decision‑making can also be about helping someone to understand the information they need to make a decision.

For example, you can read through the information together.

And you can talk about parts the person does not understand.

Supported decision‑making can help someone think about the different choices they have.

For example, you could talk about how each choice could:

• work well
• not work well.

Supported decision‑making can also help someone decide what they want to do.

You might not always agree with their decision.

But you should support their decision unless it puts people in danger.

For example, if it puts them in danger.

After you have supported someone to make a decision, you can help them:

• tell other people about their decision, like their family
• do what they have decided.

Before you support someone to make decisions, you need to build their trust.

This will help the person to feel comfortable to talk to you.

You can build trust with someone by:

• being honest with them
• listening to them
• helping them
• learning what is important to them.

You should:

• listen to what they say
• ask questions about them.

This will show them that you care about their ideas.

For example, you can ask how they feel when a certain thing happens.

Or how they would like you to support them.

You should talk to someone if you think that the person you support experiences violence or abuse.

You can talk to the person you support.

You can find out more on our page about talking to the person I care for about violence or abuse.

You can also get support to decide what to do.

You can call a helpline.

Helplines are phone numbers that will connect you to people who:

• care about what you are going through
• can give you good advice.

We have a list of helplines on our website.

You can find out more on our page about helplines.

You should tell the person if you decide that you want to call a helpline.

For example, you can contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

They can give advice about how to support people with disability who experience violence or abuse.

You can call them.

1800 880 052

You can send them an email.

hotline@workfocus.com

You can also report it to the police.

You should tell the person if you decide that you want to do this.

We have a section on this website about how to call Triple Zero.

You can find out more on our page about a guide to call Triple Zero.

We have information and resources on this website to help you get the support you need.

You can find out more on our page about support.

You can learn more about violence and abuse.

You can find out more on our page about types of violence and abuse.

You can support the person to set boundaries.

You can find out more on our page about telling someone what you are comfortable with.

You can also support the person to stand up for themselves and their rights.

You can find out more on our page about standing up for yourself.