Guardianship is one of society’s most drastic interventions to assist individuals identified as vulnerable and in need of care and protection. While guardianship may be necessary for some, many adults languish under guardianship, despite the availability of less restrictive options or a change in circumstances that render the guardianship unnecessary. An unknown number of guardianships were never  necessary in the first place. There is no data on how often and under what circumstances termination of guardianship and restoration of rights actually occurs, but anecdotal evidence suggests most guardianships last a lifetime.

This free webcast, Guardianship Termination and Restoration of Rights, explores strategies for successful termination and restoration of rights. This session will review recent cases, including a firsthand account from an attorney who was successful in restoring the rights of an older client. Much of the session’s discussion will incorporate the emergent concept of supported decision-making, which has brought attention to restoration of legal rights and identifying the supports that should be a critical part of restoration.

Presenters:
• Melissa Keyes, Legal Director, Indiana Disability Rights
• Dari Pogach, Staff Attorney, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
• Morgan Whitlatch, Project Director, National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
• Erica Wood, Assistant Director, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging

Closed captioning will be available on this webcast. A link with access to the captions will be shared through GoToWebinar’s chat box shortly before the webcast start time.