Person-Centered Planning

Utilizing Natural Supports
Person-centered planning assumes that all individuals have preferences no matter how severe their disability and that decisions are best made by a recipient him/herself with the help of family, friends and others in the individual's circle of support. Natural support persons cannot legally substitute for the judgment of the recipient. However, those persons who are most knowledgeable about and can best represent the recipient's values, wishes and choices can act as adjunct decision-makers with the consent of the recipient.

Transition Planning
The choices for minors with disabilities reaching the end of school age can be complex and may determine how independent he or she is as an adult. Planning the transition from school to adult life begins, at the latest, during high school. Transition planning is required by law to start once a student reaches 14 years of age, or younger if appropriate.

This transition planning becomes formalized as part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Transition services are provided by the school and are intended to prepare students to make the transition from the world of school to the world of adulthood. In planning what type of transition services a student needs to prepare for adulthood, the IEP Team considers areas such as post-secondary education or vocational training, employment, independent living and community participation. The transition services are a coordinated set of activities that are based on the student's needs and that also take into account his or her preferences and interests. Ideally, transition services should be integrated with the minor's Person-Centered Plan.

Independence Planning
Persons with developmental disabilities who receive Supports Coordination services are entitled to Independence Planning.  Independence Planning is a set of coordinated, planned steps to assist the individual in gaining life skills and knowledge to support the person's autonomous or naturally-supported decision-making.

Recovery Planning
Persons with mental illness can gain hope and avoid potential loss of their legal decision-making authority by changing their attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles vis a vis their mental illness diagnosis. Recovery is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness. Some individuals may choose to develop a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.

Crisis Planning
Through the person-centered planning process the recipient is offered an opportunity to develop detailed options for crisis resolution in the event he or she experiences a crisis or to avoid a psychiatric emergency utilizing natural, community and professional supports. The crisis plan also includes strategies and choices for treatment and how the recipient's personal affairs will be managed in the event the emergency requires protective and/or restrictive measures.

Expanding Access to Mental Health or Community-based Supports
Through the Person-Centered Planning process, providers explore and ensure that recipients are aware of adjunct supports which he or she may be eligible to receive from Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (NLCMH) or another community agency. These may include Community Living Supports, Peer Supports, Home Nursing, Home Health Aides, Chore Services, Home-Delivered Meals, Transportation, Bill-Payor programs, etc.