We’re pleased to share the first release in our new Impact Brief series: Guardianship and Elder Abuse. Impact Briefs draw on the lived experiences of our guardianship clients, alongside Project Guardianship’s programmatic data, to highlight urgent issues affecting individuals navigating Article 81 guardianship in New York.
This inaugural brief examines the prevalence, forms, and systemic drivers of elder abuse and highlights how the guardianship process can play a critical role in identifying, interrupting, and responding to abuse that might otherwise remain hidden. Grounded in real client experiences, the brief offers insights to inform practice, policy, and reform.
This Impact Brief builds on Project Guardianship’s ongoing commitment to strengthening guardianship practice in New York by sharing best practices, advocating for systemic improvements, and promoting less restrictive alternatives to guardianship whenever possible.
Last year, our Guardianship Prevention and Support Helpline published a Fact Sheet on Elder Abuse, offering practical guidance for individuals, families, and professionals navigating concerns related to the mistreatment of older adults. We have also partnered with the Weinberg Center for Elder Justice to publish Elder Abuse in Guardianship Cases: A Legal Resource Guide, supporting advocates and practitioners working within complex legal systems.
Together, these resources reflect our holistic approach—using guardianship as one tool among many to promote safety and accountability, while advancing person-centered services, prevention, and systems-level change to protect the dignity and well-being of New Yorkers.