Washoe County's Second Judicial District Court Awarded Grant to Help Adults with Disabilities

The $4,000 grant is possible through the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making State Grant Program.

Reno, Nevada, Dec. 12, 2016. The Second Judicial District Court of Nevada, with the endorsement of the Nevada Supreme Court’s Commission to Study the Administration of Guardianships in Nevada's Courts and Justice James W. Hardesty, has been selected as one of six national awardees to receive a $4,000 grant through the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making State Grant Program. This program awards grants for state-based projects that increase awareness of and access to supported decision-making by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Supported decision-making has emerged as an innovative alternative to guardianship of adults with I/DD who are independent in some areas of life and require assistance in others. Supported decision-making agreements help a person with I/DD to make life choices regarding housing, healthcare, education, employment, social supports, etc. Used appropriately, this model supports and assists adults with I/DD without the need for a court-appointed guardian.

“Receipt of this grant is yet another sign of how far Nevada Courts, attorneys and stakeholders have come in demonstrated leadership reforming guardianship proceedings and educating the community about alternatives to guardianship,” Judge Frances Doherty said. “This grant will be a key part in promoting the independence and dignity of aging adults and those with disabilities statewide.”

As part of the grant, the Court will also collect information and report on the successes, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing supported decision-making agreements. Judge Doherty will serve as the contact within the Second Judicial District.

Judge Doherty applied for the grant, which was endorsed by Justice Hardesty and the Commission to Study the Administration of Guardianships in Nevada's Courts, Washoe County Public Guardian’s Office, journalists, non-profits, and legal aid organizations.

Additional information on supported decision-making can be found at http://www.supporteddecisionmaking.org.

Contact: Diana Zuccarini (775) 328-3470

AdultGuardianship@washoecourts.us

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