What should a guardian do if the ward wishes to express their religious beliefs?

A guardian has a fundamental responsibility to support and uphold the rights and preferences of their ward, which includes the expression of religious beliefs. Helping the ward to express their beliefs is essential as it respects their autonomy and personal values. The role of a guardian is to facilitate the ward’s wishes and ensure they can engage in activities that are significant to them, including religious practices.

By assisting the ward in expressing their religious beliefs, the guardian promotes their emotional well-being and aids in maintaining their identity and sense of self. This support can enhance the ward's quality of life and provide comfort, particularly for those who find strength and community in their faith. It is important for guardians to create an environment that encourages self-expression and acknowledges the ward’s right to make choices about their beliefs.

In contrast, ignoring the ward’s preferences or discouraging their beliefs would not only undermine the trust and relationship between the guardian and the ward but could also lead to feelings of isolation or distress. Consulting the court for permission to express beliefs, while sometimes necessary in specific legal contexts, generally does not apply in situations where the ward’s rights and preferences can be respected without formal intervention.