If a Ward has been abused and wants to see her brother, what action should the guardian take?

When a ward has experienced abuse and expresses a desire to see a family member, such as a brother, allowing supervised visits is the most appropriate action for the guardian to take. Supervised visits can safeguard the ward's emotional and physical well-being, providing a controlled environment that can help mitigate potential risks associated with the past abuse. This approach allows the ward to maintain familial relationships while ensuring that their safety and comfort are prioritized.

Supervised visits can also help in assessing the ward's feelings and reactions during the interaction, which can be critical in understanding the effects of the prior abuse. By facilitating visitation in a secure manner, the guardian can support the ward's autonomy and preferences while also being vigilant about their overall welfare.

In contrast, allowing unrestricted visits might expose the ward to further trauma, while prohibiting all visits could unnecessarily alienate the ward from their family. Consulting a therapist before making a decision could be beneficial in certain cases, but it may not be the most immediate or practical response if the ward has already voiced a clear desire to see her brother—which makes supervised visits a reasonable compromise that respects both the ward's wishes and their need for safety.