Supported Decision-Making Rights in Behaviour Support Policies

Abstract

Disability policy emphasises that people with disability have the right to exercise their will and preferences in their lives, and decision-making support must be provided to realise this right if they request. One context in which people's will and preferences are often restricted is behaviour support. This article examines whether human rights, including rights to supported decision-making, are reflected in current behaviour support policies—and if not, what can be done to embed these rights. The article integrates the findings from three evidence reviews of policies conducted in Australia about: the right to supported decision-making in behaviour support; the alignment between positive behaviour support (PBS) and supported decision-making in policy; and related resources on supported decision-making. The reviews found that behaviour support policy does not expressly incorporate the concept of ‘rights, will and preferences’ as articulated in article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Principles to inform supported decision-making in PBS are needed to address this gap. The positive examples of online supported decision-making resources identified in the review could assist to operationalise these principles. The findings can inform developments towards embedding rights to supported decision-making in PBS policy and practice.