Virginia DD or Medicaid eligibility is uncertain or denied
Plan supported decision-making in Virginia
Choose the least restrictive decision support that fits the adult.
Official sources checked 2026-07-25
Start here
Open Virginia supported-decision-making toolsBefore you start
- The adult’s own preferences, areas where help is wanted, trusted supporters, communication needs, and any existing legal authority.
Who to contact
The adult chooses supporters; DBHDS provides tools and information, not individual legal advice.
Step by step
- Use the DBHDS discovery tools to identify when support is wanted, what kind, and from whom.
- Review whether a Virginia Supported Decision-Making Agreement fits: the decision maker must be at least 18, have an intellectual or developmental disability, and not have a legal guardian or conservator.
- Use the official template and instructions or seek case-specific legal advice before choosing a more restrictive option.
Expected next
A documented decision-support plan or completed agreement when appropriate, with copies shared according to the adult’s choice.
Save this proof
Discovery tools, signed agreement if used, supporter list, distribution record, and review date.
If this stalls or the answer is no
Use the official help resources listed by DBHDS for questions, especially when guardianship or conservatorship already exists.
Beyond Childhood planning aid
Decision-support discovery
Begin with the adult’s preferences and the least restrictive workable support.
- Decisions the adult makes alone
- When help is wanted
- Type of help
- Trusted supporters
- How disagreements are handled
- Review date
Derived from Supported Decision-Making Agreements
Official resources
Limits
Supported decision-making is not appropriate in every legal situation and this page is not legal advice.
Beyond Childhood’s checklists and prompts are planning aids derived from official sources. They are not official forms, legal advice, eligibility decisions, or guarantees of funding, capacity, quality, or service.