As a last resort, when the person's goals are unknown, what principle does the guardian follow?

The Best Interest Principle serves as a guiding framework for guardians when an individual’s personal goals and preferences are unclear. This principle emphasizes making decisions that serve the individual's overall welfare and enhance their quality of life. When a guardian is unsure about what the individual desires or achieves, focusing on what would best support their health, happiness, and well-being is crucial.

Applying this principle ensures that decisions are made with a focus on protecting the individual’s fundamental rights and needs. It prioritizes their safety, quality of life, and well-being when their autonomy cannot be completely ascertained. This is especially important in situations where individuals may be unable to express their wishes due to cognitive impairments, mental health issues, or other significant barriers.

The other principles, while also important, do not address the specific scenario of acting when an individual's goals are unknown. For example, the Least Restrictive Environment focuses on ensuring that individuals have the least restrictive conditions necessary for their support, which may not directly apply if their desires are unknown. The Advocacy Principle emphasizes representing the individual’s wishes and interests, but if those wishes are unclear, the guardian cannot effectively advocate. Legal Obligation concerns the duties and responsibilities guardians have under the law but does not specifically guide decision-making when personal goals are