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Person Centered Planning

Person Centered Planning

Person Centered Planning is a process of gathering information about goals and writing down steps for achieving these goals. The unique thing about person centered plans is that they are driven by dreams. Often a person's dreams are dismissed as unrealistic before they are even explored. Dreams tell us a lot about what we need for a satisfying life. Even if the person chooses not to follow their dream exactly, focusing on their dream will help them steer down a path that is satisfying.

Person Centered Planning relies on a circle of people who are committed to helping the person follow their dream and support them through the process. A facilitator assists the person in guiding their circle through a process of discovery. This facilitator will document the results of the sessions, writing down the "who", "what", "when" and "how" of the person's desired future.

Role of the Facilitator

The facilitator is not the one who guides the plan. The person guides the plan and the facilitator is their assistant. The facilitator will remain neutral and help keep the process focused and flowing. They do this by asking questions of the person and assisting the person in asking questions of the group.

It is common when the person and their group feel stuck to ask the facilitator for answers or expertise. The facilitator will then simply bring these questions back to the person and their planning group. There are two reasons for this: If the facilitator were to lead the person down a path they think will work it limits the options to be discovered by the person. When the person comes up with their own direction it will be a more natural direction than anything a facilitator could propose. Secondly, if the facilitator directs the plan, they take away the independent voice of the person, leaving them and their group feeling that they must ask "experts" rather than trust their own instincts. The ultimate goal in person centered planning is for the person and their group to become an independent planning team.

Role of the Family:

The family and closest friends are the core members of the planning group as they know the individual best. They will likely bring up issues that might otherwise be left unspoken. They also bring passion and vitality to the sessions, giving the whole process momentum.

The circle will help the individual identify desires, needs, and make choices. The plan will often have steps which naturally fall in the hands of the circle members themselves. Other steps might require the recruitment of new group members and use of community resources.

Traditional Supports

Traditional supports are those organizations, agencies and institutions which have been designed to support individuals with disability. There are several aspects to traditional supports that are valuable to the planning group. First, traditional supports have likely accrued an expertise from years of participation and collaboration with individuals with disability. They have witnessed many successes and the planning group can glean what they need from this experience. Secondly, traditional supports have many programs already in place to address needs an individual may have. Therefore, the person may not have to re-invent the wheel to meet their needs.

Natural Supports

We all receive support in our daily lives that keeps us striving to meet our goals. This support can come in the form of encouragement, assistance, flexibility, etc. In Person Centered Planning we look for ways to rely on natural connections to provide daily support. These may take the form of a co-worker, neighbor, or a friend. People enjoy helping others and being relied upon, but they also like to know that they can rely on the other person as well. Therefore, in developing natural supports, we must in turn develop support for those who support us. In the Person Centered Planning process we help the person identify their strengths and unique ability to contribute. These are the selling points that can create natural exchanges and supportive relationships that are satisfying for both parties. If they are satisfying to both they are likely to last.

Choice

Choice is the foundation of the Person Centered Planning process. Choice happens at every stage of the person centered planning process, from the very beginning as the individual chooses to work on a person centered plan to the final approval of the written plan. The belief that the person's dream is worth exploring will build trust in their group and in their own instincts. From trust comes the flexibility necessary to make good choices.

With choice comes responsibility. As the person makes choices they also take on the responsibility to act on those choices. If the level of trust is high they will feel comfortable developing those aspects of themselves that can create opportunities. Although it is sometimes difficult, some of the most rewarding opportunities in life come when you trust those who care about you and follow your dreams.

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The Arc of Whatcom County
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