1. Making Guardianship great again!
An honest conversation

2. What happened to our reputation?
Anti-Guardianship movement
NASGA
Disability Rights Activists
Boomers against elder abuse
Celebrity cases involving guardianship
Peter Falk
Mickey Rooney
Glen Campbell
Casey kasem

3. NASGA – National association to stop guardianship abuse
Focus on guardianship “horror stories”
Aligned with Catherine Falk Foundation
Supports sdm legislation
Supports wings
Supports nga’s Standards of practice (“an excellent guide”)
“Wanted” List
5 Indiana connections!

4. Supported decision making
History – i/dd population “railroaded”
Jenny hatch story
Sdm agreements explained
Legislation to authorize supported decision making agreements
Indiana governor’s council for people with disabilities
Indiana professional management group
ARC of Indiana
Family voices indiana

5. Main criticisms of both groups
Guardianship abuse
Isolation and exploitation
Lack of access and information
power beyond law or court orders
Lack of accountability
Supported decision making
low view of i/dd persons
Taking away rights
No voice in decisions
Need for more alternatives

6. A higher view of guardianship
NGA Standard 2.1 – Know the extent and limitations of authority
Nga standard 3.1 – treat the person under guardianship with dignity
nga standard 8 – balance between meeting needs and least restrictions
Nga standard 9 – self-determination of the person
Nga standard 10 – guardian’s duties regarding diversity and personal preferences
Nga standard 16 – avoid all conflicts of interest (including appearances!)

7. The guardian’s relationship with family members and friends of the person
NGA Standard 4.1 – Promote social interactions and meaningful relationships consistent with the preferences of the person under guardianship
4.1(a) & 4.1(B) – Encourage and support contact with family and friends unless necessary to protect from substantial harm
NGA standard 4.5 – maintain communication with persons family and friends regarding significant occurrences (when it benefits the person under guardianship)
Nga standard 4.6 – May advise family and friends of all pertinent medical issues, request and consider family input on medical decisions

8. Making guardianship great again
Perform our duties according to the nga standards
Give dignity to persons under guardianship, family members, providers, and all others
Support adoption of nga standards as benchmark for all guardians in indiana
Get involved in legislative affairs – give input on proposed changes
Use center for guardianship certification as bolt-on requirement for professionals
Submit success stories to nga/ngn portal for promotion of guardian industry
Establish or join a wings program to add your voice and experience

9. Be a great guardian!!! Paul m seideman, president - tresco of Idaho