New stakeholders group focused on changes to adult guardianship program meets for the first time

A new stakeholders group established to improve Kentucky’s adult guardianship program has held its first meeting.

Feeley

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 33, passed during the recent legislative session, recommended creation of a WINGS program to examine adult guardianship and identify needed changes. WINGS stands for Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders.

Guardianship occurs when a court appoints an individual or entity to oversee the care and well-being of an adult who is incapable of self-care. Many such individuals are elderly with no close family relatives. Kentucky utilizes both public and private guardians. The public guardians work within the Department of Aging and Independent Living, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

Concurrent with passage of HJR 33, the legislature passed House Bill 5, the first legislative overhaul of guardianship in Kentucky since the 1980s. The new statutes go into effect July 14.

CHFS Deputy Secretary Timothy Feeley said WINGS can help guardianship advocates achieve better outcomes for individuals who need assistance making health and legal decisions.

“As our elderly and disabled populations grow, it is essential that our safety net services for this vital portion of our community keeps pace,” he said. “We must care for those among us who cannot care for themselves, while concurrently working to build self-sufficiency where possible.”

The effort is coordinated jointly by CHFS and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Twenty-six representatives from agencies throughout the state who work with our adult population were present and participated, exchanging suggestions for improving guardianship care. Subcommittees were formed to examine topics to include legislation and policy and education and outreach.

WINGS will report annually to the legislature regarding care of this vulnerable population with recommendations for building a stronger support system. Kentucky is the 25^th state to adopt a WINGS program.

Those interested in contributing time or ideas to this cause, contact the AOC’s Karen Waugh by email at Karenwaugh@kycourts.net.

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New stakeholders group focused on changes to adult guardianship program meets for the first time

New hire to help establish Nevada Guardianship Compliance Office

A guardianship compliance manager has been appointed to head the Nevada Guardianship Compliance Office, whose creation is due to legislation that took effect on the first of the year.

The Supreme Court of Nevada, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), has hired Kathleen McCloskey to lead the newly created office.

McCloskey, formally with the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division, will make it her focus to hire an investigator and a forensic financial specialist to support Nevada's district courts in the administration of guardianship cases.

Other priorities include the development of a toll-free hotline and assisting the Permanent Guardianship Commission in the formulation of state rules and forms for guardianship cases.

"I am honored to be appointed as the Guardianship Compliance Manager. People under guardianship are some of our most vulnerable citizens and I am excited to build an office that will be supportive to all of our district courts in the administration and oversight of guardianships, as well as provide essential services that will support and protect the rights of individuals under guardianships."

McCloskey brings 20 years of experience developing comprehensive compliance systems in both the fields of intellectual disability and aging service systems in the states of Maine and Nevada. She received her bachelor's in sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and her master's in sociology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Commission to Study the Administration of Guardianships in Nevada's Courts proposed seven major reforms, including the Nevada Guardianship Compliance Office, resulting in five bills approved in the Legislature and signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

The creation of the Nevada Guardianship Compliance Office, a Guardianship Bill of Rights, and mandatory appointment of legal counsel for persons in need of protection were all enacted by legislation.

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New hire to help establish Nevada Guardianship Compliance Office