MAXIMIZING AUTONOMY - REFORMING PERSONAL SUPPORT LAWS IN SWEDEN AND THE UNITED-STATES

Reforming outmoded systems of guardianship requires that governments a ssess personal support and related services. U.S. policy-makers and re formers in individual states have begun to question how current guardi anship laws may disempower individuals with mental disabilities. This article explores some remarkable legal and public policy innovations i n Sweden that replace guardianship with personal support services such as mentors, administrators, ''kontakt'' persons, and personal assista nts. It then examines the impact of Sweden's reforms on the autonomy, independence, and integration of its citizens and discusses possibilit ies for similar changes worldwide.