If you’re exploring guardianship options, we provide helpful resources to guide you through the process. Here you will find tip sheets to help you understand whether adoption or guardianship is the best fit, guidance on making decisions for adult children with disabilities, and answers to frequently asked questions about the guardianship process in Wisconsin. You can also access information on the types of guardianship available, subsidized guardianship resources for caregivers, and supportive opportunities.

Recorded Trainings

Thinking About Supported Decision Making: A clear, accessible overview of Supported Decision Making as an alternative to guardianship — helping Wisconsin families of youth with disabilities understand their legal options and plan confidently for adulthood.

Succession Planning for Caregivers of Children: Thinking Ahead: An essential session for caregivers navigating the legal and financial decisions that come with long-term care — so the children you love are protected no matter what the future holds.

Understanding the Courts: CHIPS, Guardianship, and TPR A clear, accessible guide to the juvenile court process — including what happens when a CHIPS petition is filed and how the system works toward permanency for children.

Downloadable Handouts

Supported Decision Making: An introduction to Supported Decision Making as a flexible, person-centered alternative to guardianship for adults with disabilities — including what an SDM agreement looks like and a five-step guide to getting started.

Practical Tip Sheets

Is Adoption or Guardianship a Better Fit? A clear breakdown of the key differences between adoption and guardianship to help families make the choice that best fits their child’s needs and their family’s circumstances.

Is Guardianship the Right Choice for Your Adult Child with Disabilities? Essential guidance for parents of adult children with intellectual or developmental disabilities on whether guardianship is the right path — and what other options may be worth exploring.

More Links & Resources