Which principle is NOT a guideline for making decisions for a Ward?

The principle that is NOT a guideline for making decisions for a Ward is the concept of "Best benefit principle."

In guardianship and decision-making for individuals who may not be able to make decisions for themselves, the other principles—welfare, best interest, and least restrictive—are widely recognized as fundamental guidelines. The welfare principle emphasizes the importance of promoting the overall well-being of the Ward. This involves considering their physical, emotional, and social needs to ensure that decisions made are in their best interest.

The best interest principle reinforces that any decisions taken should prioritize the individual's preferences, values, and needs, rather than the desires or interests of others. It aims to ensure that actions taken on behalf of the Ward would produce the most favorable outcome for them.

The least restrictive principle focuses on ensuring that the Ward's freedom and independence are maintained to the greatest extent possible while offering the necessary support. This principle advocates for the minimal amount of intervention or control needed to safeguard the individual’s well-being.

While "Best benefit principle" might seem to align with the overarching goal of serving the Ward’s interests, it is not formally recognized as one of the core guidelines within this context. Thus, it stands apart from the established principles used in guardianship decision-making.