Growing Up Making Decisions

Abstract

Many young people with cognitive impairment grow up without the support and skills to express their will and preference to make decisions about their life. This is likely to result in other people making decisions on their behalf. Evidence given at the Disability Royal Commission shows this can result in abuse, neglect, harm or exploitation. This research examined what supports young people with cognitive impairment need to develop skills to identify what they want and do not want, and make decisions for themselves. The research also tried to understand if this was different for young people living with family and young people living in other settings.