National Study of Guardianship Systems: Implications for Judicial Education

摘要

The report is one of three reports developed under a grant from the United StatesAdministration on Aging. It builds on findings of the National Study of Guardianship Systems (National Study). The National Study examined guardianship practices in 726 cases for guardianship of persons 60 years of age or older, in 30 jurisdictions in 10 states. Data was collected by volunteers who observed hearings, examined court files and interviewed petitioners under the supervision of The Center for Social Gerontology. The report uses findings of the National Study to identify areas in which judicial practice is at variance with guardianship statutes intended to protect the rights of vulnerable elderly and disabled persons alleged to be in need of guardianship, and proposes that more judicial training is needed to ensure that judicial practices conform to legislative intent.