The journey from wardship to supported decision-making: An examination of the process and the experiences of people leaving wardship
This research examined the process and experience of the cessation of the system of wardship in Ireland and the commencement of the supported decision-making system. This examination concerned the perspectives of those who were made wards of court, committees and professionals involved in the transition from wardship and in the new supported decision-making system.
The analysis found that of the 2,173 people in wardship in April 2023, there were still 1,602 adults in wardship (almost 74%) at the end of November 2025. Two significant barriers to engagement with the discharge process emerged from the study. The first relates to concerns around management of the former ward’s funds following discharge. Some families, acting as committees, were ‘terrified’ of moving from the ‘safety of the court’ to managing substantial financial funds following discharge. Second, there was a reluctance to embark on a new, unfamiliar system. Some expressed discontent that the same supports would not be available following discharge for both people in wardship and their committees.
Many wards of court and committees also reported on what appeared to be an information vacuum around the process of ending wardship. Some described how they ‘did not know’ or were ‘not sure’ either about the information provided or the transition process as a whole. This was despite substantial information provision by several public bodies. The study found that some wards of court and their committees overlooked or chose not to engage with the information provided.
Those who had been discharged spoke of ‘freedom’ and how they were in a position to make their own decisions in their day to day lives and live more independently. While the discharge brought a sense of empowerment, there was also fear and anxiety stemming from the responsibility of having to make decisions. The report sets out key learnings and recommendations to address concerns and apprehensions in the transition away from wardship.