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| Megan Thomas, Rice County Adult Services Manager, testifies before the Minnesota Senate Human Services Committee Wednesday, endorsing a bill that would ensure unspent funds intended to help launch supported decision-making programs across the state can be used for that purpose in 2026. (YouTube screenshot) |
$2.6 million — that’s how much Rice County spent on guardianship-associated costs between 2022-24.
In just the last six months, Rice County Adult Services Manager Megan Thomas told a Minnesota Senate committee Wednesday, the county, through its Supported Decision-Making unit, has diverted three people from court-ordered guardianship and moved one resident, who had been homeless for five years, into assisted living and helped get his medical needs met. In addition, it’s received 35 referrals for assistance.
By allowing residents able to manage their lives without the constraints of guardianship retain their ability to make important life decisions, individuals not only maintain their dignity and control of their lives, but counties reduce staff costs and attorneys’ fees and eliminate an unnecessary burden on the courts, Thomas said of her support of a bill extending funding for supported decision making programs.
“The more we can divert people out of our system, the more we can save our taxpayers,” she said.
Rice County launched its supportive decision making unit in late 2024 with help from a $291,500 state grant. The funds helped it employ, educate and train staff who serve individuals who need or want an advocate to guide them through a decision-making Thomas, who oversaw group homes for people with disabilities for 20 years before coming to work for Rice County, understands there are individuals who need guardianship. But, she says, one size does not fit all.
Supported Decision-Making staff are social workers, but unlike guardians, they don’t make decisions for clients, which Thomas says causes tension and animosity toward people trying to help. Instead, Supported Decision-Making connects clients with experts and/or services, ensuring they have accurate information on which to base their decisions.
“We need to do better in Minnesota, recognizing the rights and responsibilities that people have when it comes to making their own decisions and being able to live out their life in a way they choose,” she said, adding that supported decision-making programs allow just that.
The bill (SF 2310), authored by state Sen. Jordan Rasmusson and supported by a number of statewide organizations serving the disabled and elderly, would allow unspent grant dollars from 2023 that were intended to help launch supported decision-making programs across the state to be available in 2026. It also amends the deadline for the Human Services commissioner to deliver a final report on the impact and outcomes of the grants.
“As a less restrictive alternative to guardianship, Supported Decision-Making of Rice County is having an immeasurable positive impact and benefit to individuals, their families and the community,” said Rick Gieseke, Rice County Deputy Administrator Community Services. “We look forward to its continued success.”
LEARN MORE: Find information about Supported Decision-Making of Rice County at https://bit.ly/RiceCo_SupportedDecision-Making.
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In Senate testimony, county supervisor supports alternative to guardianship
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