Guardianship for people with learning disabilities: the current perspective in Hong Kong

Abstract

Summary With the promotion and wider acceptance of the concept of ‘normalization’ and ‘community integration’, an increased number of adults with learning disabilities are living in the community and facing more social and health care problems. The authors describe the introduction of new guardianship laws in Hong Kong with the creation of a Guardianship Board to safeguard the interests of all those who are mentally unable to make decisions about their personal, medical or financial affairs. Some case vignettes are provided to illustrate its functions and roles. By sharing the Hong Kong experience, it is hoped that this paper can raise awareness of circumstances in countries that are planning to develop or reform their guardianship practices for people with learning disabilities.

Transforming positive risk-taking practices: the possibilities of creativity and resilience in learning disability contexts

“…Kwok and Scully (2005) describe the creation of guardianship boards in Hong Kong to safeguard the interests of those considered mentally unable to make decisions about their personal, medical or financial affairs. Fyson and Kitson (2010) argue that abuse can only be minimised by safeguarding policies which reflect an understanding that choice and promotion must necessarily be mediated by effective adult protection measures.…”