Join the Decision Support Service panel of decision-making representatives (Sponsored)

The Decision Support Service (DSS) is seeking registered professionals in Ireland to join its Decision-Making Representative Panel. At present, expertise in financial management, planning and investment is desirable.

Background

The DSS is a public-facing service established under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended). The Act repeals the wards of court system, replacing it with a graduated framework of decision supports. All adult wards will be reviewed by the wardship court and discharged from wardship.

The Act also provides tools for all persons who wish to plan ahead for a time when they might not be able to make their own decisions.

Panel of decision-making representatives

Panel members may be appointed as decision-making representatives (DMRs) by the Circuit or Wardship Court to make decisions on behalf of a relevant person, or on behalf of a former ward of court who is being discharged from wardship.

When there is no suitable person willing to act as DMR, the court requests nominations from the panel of DMRs for consideration for appointment by the court.

A panel member is appointed as a DMR by way of a court order called a decision-making representation order. The court order sets out the specific role and responsibilities of the DMR and any conditions that may apply.

The type of decisions included in a court order may vary depending on the individual circumstances and the specific needs of the person for whom the order is being made. The decision(s) that a DMR will be required to undertake may involve property and affairs or personal welfare decisions or both.

Property and affairs decisions

These are decisions about property, business, and money matters and can relate to matters including:

1. Pensions;
2. Funds/assets;
3. Maintaining/disposing of assets to ensure future care/accommodation needs;
4. Management of funds including current/new investments;
5. Distribution/investment of lump sum e.g., court settlement;
6. Discharging outstanding debts and arrears;
7. Management of rental income;
8. Filing tax returns;
9. Participation in court proceedings;
10. Carrying on our winding up a business;
11. Making a Nursing Home Support Scheme application; and
12. Insuring properties.

Personal welfare

These are decisions about a person’s interests, health, and wellbeing and can relate to matters including:

• (a) Accommodation;
• (b) Employment, education, or training;
• (c) Social activities;
• (d) Social services;
• (e) Healthcare, including decisions about treatment; and
• (f)  Participation in healthcare and social care research.

To apply to join the Decision-Making Representative Panel, go to www.dsspanelrecruitment.com. Applications close Monday 14 October.

This article is sponsored by The Decision Support Service