By developing and promoting alternatives to guardianship, we advocate for the least restrictive arrangement for those in need of care.
Guardianship is a serious legal intervention that removes a person's decision-making rights and should only be used as a last resort. Project Guardianship is committed to identifying, developing, and promoting less restrictive options for aging and disabled New Yorkers. Our team works to prevent unnecessary guardianships by helping individuals and families plan ahead and by connecting caregivers and providers with tools and resources that preserve autonomy.
Our initiatives include:
Guardianship Prevention and Support Helpline
We offer free assistance, resources, and referrals related to Article 81 Guardianship and its alternatives, including advance directives, healthcare proxies, living wills, powers of attorney, and more.
Supported Decision-Making for older adults
Inspired by the work and achievements of the disability community and disability rights advocates, we are exploring and developing supported decision-making tools and processes for older adults.
Agency Power of Attorney
To ensure that people without a trusted individual to appoint can access the critical benefits of a Power of Attorney (POA), Project Guardianship is developing an initiative to serve as the designated POA on their behalf.
We also educate families and providers on guardianship alternatives through workshops, consultations, and materials.