Our approach is rooted in our ongoing commitment to diversity, race equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Project Guardianship continues to provide person-centered guardianship for a growing number of New Yorkers with no other options. Our multidisciplinary teams deliver comprehensive services designed to preserve the dignity and maximize the independence of those in our care, including in sensitive, end-of-life moments. We use program data to continually improve the quality of our services and inform our advocacy agenda.
We are committed to reducing the unnecessary use of guardianship by developing and promoting less restrictive alternatives. We launched new initiatives, such as the Guardianship Prevention and Support Helpline, to divert people from guardianship arrangements where possible and formed partnerships to create new tools and processes that help New Yorkers retain autonomy as they age.
We believe that New York can and should be a place where all residents have access to high-quality decision-making supports and—when necessary—guardians, regardless of their financial or social circumstances.
Over the next three years, we will continue to develop our guardianship services with a focus on supporting program staff. Project Guardianship will also facilitate the expansion of existing and new nonprofit guardianship programs statewide. We will double down on our work to develop and promote alternatives to guardianship. And as we gain momentum in our work to reform the guardianship system in New York, we will pursue opportunities to engage and inform the national landscape.
PERSON-CENTERED GUARDIANSHIP
Diversify and increase revenue
Increase funding for guardianship services to ensure fair pay and growth opportunities for staff, improve staff satisfaction and retention, and safeguard guardianship services in the event of future funding cuts.
Expand nonprofit guardianship programs statewide
Increase our caseload in New York City while supporting fellow providers across the state to do the same. Develop and execute a plan to help community-based organizations add guardianship to their suite of services.
Establish a robust data collection system and process
For guardians in our statewide network of nonprofit providers, establish a system and process for gathering uniform data on a regular basis. In addition, work with funding agencies to create a singular guardianship database in New York.
GUARDIANSHIP ALTERNATIVES
Increase the capacity of the Helpline
Build capacity with a focus on disconnected regions and communities across New York. Pursue technology efficiencies to respond to the growing demand for resources.
Develop Supported Decision-Making for older adults
Develop a supported decision-making model for older adults and secure funding for a pilot project. Evaluate whether this model is effective in helping people retain autonomy as they age, including in instances of cognitive decline.
Explore an agency Power of Attorney Program
Research and consider a program in which Project Guardianship serves as POA for people who have nobody else in their lives to do so. Developing an agency POA program could help many more individuals avoid unnecessary guardianships.
GUARDIANSHIP REFORM
Invest in external communications
Build awareness of guardianship issues in New York through a thoughtful communications strategy that uses data, storytelling, and strategic partnerships to engage a broader base of allies in our guardianship reform work.
Secure funding for a Statewide Initiative of Nonprofit Guardians (SING)
Realize SING in the New York State Executive Budget. As lead organization, oversee funding, training, technical support, and reporting for a growing number of nonprofit providers.
Pursue legislative solutions
In response to New York’s guardianship crisis, pursue legislative solutions such as an oversight mechanism to prevent the appointment of unqualified and exploitative guardians.
participate in the national conversation on guardianship
Explore opportunities to expand our impact beyond New York by connecting with fellow practitioners, intermediaries, government agencies, academics, and others working on guardianship issues around the country.