What is the focus of person-first planning?

The focus of person-first planning is on recognizing and empowering individuals to tap into natural community supports. This approach prioritizes the preferences, needs, and strengths of the individual, emphasizing a holistic perspective in recovery and overall well-being. By connecting individuals with community supports, the process fosters social inclusion, helps dismantle barriers to participation, and builds meaningful relationships in the community.

Natural community supports may include friends, family, and local organizations that can offer emotional, practical, and social assistance. This connection is crucial in promoting independence, enhancing self-esteem, and fostering a sense of belonging, thereby playing a vital role in the individual's recovery journey.

While connecting individuals with job opportunities or building financial resources might be important aspects of support, they do not encapsulate the larger, person-centered philosophy embodied in person-first planning. Similarly, while establishing educational goals in recovery is relevant, it serves a narrower purpose compared to the broader aim of engaging with the community and fostering relationships that can support overall personal growth and recovery.