The School-to-Guardian Pipeline: Understanding the Medical and Social Implications for Individuals with Significant...

As children move from being a minor to 18 and over as adults, the decision-making power shifts from the parent to the now adult child. That is unless legal guardianship is sought. One of the first encounters parents begin to really process the ramifications of this change is at school during individualized education program (IEP) transition planning meetings which begin for students with disabilities as early as 14 years in some states and school systems and required by federal law to occur by 16 years old. Local education agencies, or school districts, are required to inform students and parents of the shift in responsibilities when the child reaches the age of majority of 18 years old. This paper provides alternatives to guardianship and explores ways in which healthcare providers can support their patients who may be exploring decision-making options at 18 years old.

Teachers and other school personnel often provide information that encourages parents to seek guardianship, pushing yet another student into the school-to-guardianship pipeline. Guardianship is not always the best option, yet it is often recommended, especially for transition-aged youth and young adults with significant disabilities. Healthcare providers are sometimes part of these school meetings, but more often, medical professionals provide assessment results to inform an individual's need for guardianship to the courts. Healthcare providers should comprehend the different ways in which individuals with significant disabilities make decisions upon reaching adulthood. This knowledge should include a clear understanding of the implications and consequences of a court taking away partial or full legal decision-making capabilities from a young adult with a significant disability.