DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 39 NO. 3 • SUMMER 2025
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
What are Conservatorship and Supported Decision-Making? MANY PARENTS FIRST BEGIN THINKING ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF CONSERVATORSHIP as their son or daughter is approaching the age of 18. Some may worry that their child becoming an adult will cause a parent to be shut out from important decisions about school, healthcare, finances and RCOC-funded services. While these are reasonable concerns, it’s important to understand that a decision for or against conservatorship should be based on the specific needs of an individual. Of the more than 14,000 adults RCOC serves, less than 25 percent have a conservator. This article provides some basic facts and resources for families and individuals to explore. What is Conservatorship? Conservatorship is a legal process through which a court grants authority to a third-party (often a parent) to make decisions on behalf of an adult who is considered vulnerable and in need of protection due to a developmental disability or mental health issues. Limited Conservatorship is a type of conservatorship specifically for people with developmental disabilities. The person who is granted this authority is called a “conservator” and the person conserved is called a “conservatee.” In some other states, this legal arrangement may be called “guardianship.”
Seven Possible Powers of Limited Conservators When limited conservatorship of the person is granted, decision-making authority over the conservatee can be limited to just a few key areas, or can extend to virtually all aspects of the person’s life, including: 1. Residence: The conservator can decide where the conservatee lives. 2. Confidential Records: The conservator can access the conservatee’s confidential records and papers, such as financial, medical and educational. 3. Marriage: The conservator can consent or withhold consent to the conservatee’s marriage. Cont. on Page 7
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