Guardianship and Decision-Making Mini-Guide: English and Spanish, Ages 14 to 21

This guardianship and decision making mini guide explains, in English and Spanish side by side, what changes at 18, alternatives before full guardianship, and questions families can bring to a meeting with school or legal staff.

Why I made this: At 18, decision making rights shift. Families often hear guardianship first and alternatives later. I wanted a plain bilingual guide that lays out supported decision making, powers of attorney, and other options before anyone rushes to court.

What's included:

• Cover and how to page

• What changes at 18

• Alternatives before full guardianship

• Supported decision making basics

• Questions to ask

• A simple decision making planning page

• Words to know and local contacts

How I use it: Share it a year before the 18th birthday, or when the school sends the age of majority notice. Walk through the options page together and write local contacts on the questions page.

Who it's for: families of students ages 14 to 22 who are more comfortable reading in Spanish, and the transition teachers, case managers, and family liaisons who work with them. English and Spanish sit side by side, so bilingual families and staff can read together.

Format: 8 printable pages, US Letter, English and Spanish side by side on every page. General information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules vary by state.

Prefer English only?

Compared with the English version

The same:

• Same topic as Guardianship & Decision Making Mini Guide, written in plain language for families.

Different:

• English and Spanish side by side on every page, so Spanish speaking families and English speaking staff can read together.

• Uses common US Spanish terms for school and benefits (for example preparatoria and su hijo o hija). IEP stays as IEP.

• Written for this edition rather than copied page for page.

Also from The Transition Cliff:

• Spanish and English Transition Family Guides Bundle: https://payhip.com/b/LpBqX

• Transition Family Map, Ages 14 to 21 | English & Spanish IEP Transition Planning

Part of the Spanish Family Editions series: SSI at 18, ABLE Accounts, Guardianship and Decision Making, VR and Pre ETS, HCBS Waivers, and Transition Parent Letters + Parent Night Handouts.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.