Supporting Choices Program

The Supporting Choices Program is an initiative by the North Florida Office of Public Guardian (NFOPG) aimed at helping individuals with disabilities explore alternatives to guardianship that preserve autonomy and dignity.

Too often, guardianship is proposed as the first—and only—solution when a person faces challenges in decision-making. While guardianship can be necessary in some cases, it is also a complex, costly, and restrictive legal process. In many situations, less restrictive alternatives can effectively meet a person's needs without removing their rights.

NFOPG is committed to empowering individuals and families by providing tools, education, and support to explore options that avoid unnecessary guardianship. Our Supporting Choices Program is designed to:

• Help individuals and families understand their options before pursuing guardianship
• Assist in implementing less restrictive alternatives, such as:
  • Supported Decision-Making Agreements
  • Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Surrogates
  • Representative Payees
  • Guardian Advocacy
• Provide forms, training, and guidance to identify what rights can be safely delegated
• Support individuals in maintaining independence wherever possible

Through this program, NFOPG aims to ensure that the least restrictive and most effective resources are used to meet each person's unique needs—preserving self-determination and promoting person-centered planning.

For more information visit the Supporting Choices Website.