Capacity Assessments for Persons with Developmental Disabilities in Calgary and Alberta
As your child with developmental disabilities approaches their 18th birthday, it's important to ensure they have the appropriate support in place to make decisions about their future. At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, we provide comprehensive capacity assessments for individuals with developmental disabilities to determine if they require a guardian or trustee in specific areas of decision-making. These assessments are essential in helping families ensure their loved ones have the care and support they need as they transition into adulthood.
If your child is nearing 17 years old and you’re wondering whether they will need a guardian or trustee, a capacity assessment can offer the clarity and guidance you need. Our assessments are conducted by experienced psychologists who specialize in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.
What is a Capacity Assessment?
A capacity assessment is an evaluation that determines whether an individual has the ability to make informed decisions in key areas of their life. For individuals with developmental disabilities, this assessment is particularly important as they approach adulthood. The assessment identifies whether a person can independently manage decisions related to:
- Health care decisions
- Personal care and hygiene
- Living arrangements
- Legal matters
- Education and employment
- Financial management
- Community involvement and recreation
If it’s determined that your child lacks the capacity in one or more of these areas, the assessment will guide the need for a guardian or trustee to help them manage these decisions.
Who Needs a Capacity Assessment?
Parents of children with developmental disabilities often seek a capacity assessment when their child is about to turn 18. By law, once an individual reaches the age of majority, they are legally considered responsible for their own decisions. However, if a child has significant developmental delays or intellectual disabilities, they may not have the capacity to make decisions independently in some areas.
A capacity assessment helps determine if your child requires ongoing support to make these decisions safely and effectively. This assessment is crucial for planning legal guardianship or trusteeship, ensuring that your child continues to receive the care they need without interruption as they enter adulthood.
Our Capacity Assessment Process
At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, we take a compassionate, thorough approach to capacity assessments, ensuring that the assessment process is both supportive and informative for your family. Our assessments are designed to evaluate your child’s ability in each of the seven key areas of decision-making:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with an in-depth consultation with you and your child to understand their needs, strengths, and current abilities.
- Comprehensive Testing and Evaluation: Our psychologists conduct a detailed assessment, which may include interviews, observations, and standardized testing, to evaluate your child's decision-making capabilities in the seven areas.
- Feedback and Report: After the assessment, we provide a comprehensive report outlining your child’s capacity in each area and recommendations for guardianship or trusteeship if necessary.
- Ongoing Support: Our team remains available to guide you through the process of obtaining guardianship or trusteeship, offering support every step of the way.
Why Choose Eckert Centre for Capacity Assessments?
- Expertise in Developmental Disabilities: Our psychologists specialize in working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities, offering a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of each individual.
- Comprehensive and Personalized Assessments: We take a thorough and personalized approach to each capacity assessment, ensuring that your child’s abilities are accurately assessed and that the recommendations are tailored to their needs.
- Support Through Transition: We understand that the transition to adulthood can be overwhelming for families of children with developmental disabilities. Our team provides guidance and support throughout the assessment and guardianship process.
How a Capacity Assessment Can Help Your Child
A capacity assessment ensures that your child is not left vulnerable when they reach adulthood. By understanding your child's decision-making abilities, you can make informed choices about whether guardianship or trusteeship is needed, and in which areas. This assessment provides peace of mind that your child will have the right support in place as they navigate adulthood.
Book a Capacity Assessment for Your Child Today
If your child is nearing 17 years old, it’s time to start planning for their future. Schedule a capacity assessment at Eckert Psychology & Education Centre to ensure that your child’s needs are fully understood and supported. We offer in-person assessments in Calgary and virtual consultations across Alberta.