Thousands Stolen from Elderly Guardianship Clients
This story out of Philadelphia shows how lack of oversight in guardianship cases allowed a previously convicted felon, charged with fraud and forgery, to become guardian for over 100 individuals. S888/H1573 has been filed in Massachusetts to ensure that MA guardians have appropriate oversight and monitoring to keep vulnerable people safe. Click here to…
Read MoreSupported Decision Making: Fostering the Self-Determination of Individuals with Disabilities
The Massachusetts Guardianship Institute partnered with students enrolled in the Legal Skills in Social Context program, a social justice clinical offering at Northeastern University School of Law, in a project to review supported decision making as an alternative to guardianship. Students conducted a detailed review of literature and policy surrounding supported decision making, including its…
Read MoreRecap of the National Guardianship Association Meeting 2018
Recap of the National Guardianship Association Meeting by Heather Connors, Ph.D In October, the Guardianship Institute sent three representatives to the National Guardianship Association Annual Meeting in Palm Springs California. The conference brings together guardians and guardianship stakeholders from across the nation to learn, network and share resources. Educational opportunities included keynote speakers, breakout sessions…
Read MoreA Guardianship Policy for the 21st Century
A Guardianship Policy for the 21st Century by Peter Macy, Ed.M, J.D. The Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute (the “Institute”) advocates two important reforms to the guardianship/conservatorship system in Massachusetts: (1) a public guardian for the most isolated and indigent individuals in need; and (2) a state office to oversee the quality, impact, cost‐effectiveness and adequacy…
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Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute
Report 2018-2019
Annual report (2018-19) of the Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute.
Read MoreDecision Making Conference Recap
Models for Decisional Help Balancing Autonomy and Risk By Heather Connors, Ph.d. Photo Credit: Corinna Spinale One of the greatest challenges of serving as someone’s guardian or conservator is knowing when to limit interventions, so as to maintain the individual’s independence and dignity, without unduly risking harm to him or her, or to others.
Read MoreCalifornia Tackles Decisional Support for the Homeless
Causes of homelessness are addressed by a new conservatorship law in California that is “focused on providing critical services and housing to . . . Californians who suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues, and who cannot care for themselves.” Counties have reservations* about the new bill. Click here to read more about the…
Read MoreGuardianship Training in Ohio
An Ohio judge is offering free guardianship training program, prompted in part by the growing need for guardians for children, as a result of the opioid epidemic. Adult guardianship also is considered. Click here to read the full article.
Read MoreCases in the News
Actor Tim Conway’s daughter seeks a conservatorship of her father in the face of concerns about medical decisions being made on his behalf. Click here to read the full article.
Read MoreSupported Decision-Making in North Carolina
The Catawba County Adult Collaborative has started a pilot project to transition developmentally disabled persons into adulthood without guardianship. Supported Decision-Making is high on the Institute’s agenda of new programs and processes to support in Massachusetts. Click here to read the full article.
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