Recognizing the need for continued guardianship reform, the Pennsylvania Courts will hold the second Pennsylvania Guardianship Justice Summit, focused on bringing together leaders from across the state to explore the use of alternatives to guardianship and expand access to justice.

“Guardianship carries profound responsibility, and our courts must lead in ensuring it is exercised with the utmost care, compassion and respect for individual rights,” said Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd. “This Summit provides a critical forum for collaboration, education and innovation as we work together to strengthen guardianship practices, promote alternatives to guardianship whenever possible and ensure access to justice for all Pennsylvanians."

Summit topics include national and state level perspectives on guardianship reform, alternatives to guardianship, elder abuse and financial exploitation, guardianship monitoring, advance planning and more. The sessions and subsequent discussions will promote collaboration across counties, agencies and professions to address issues facing older adults and persons with a disability who may need a guardian.

Attendees and speakers include Chief Justice Debra Todd and Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, along with judges, district court administrators, court staff, attorneys, professional guardians, doctors, advocates and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Adult Protective Services, financial institutions, medical facilities and other elder justice experts.

Sessions on “Transformations in Guardianship in Pennsylvania and Nationwide,” will be livestreamed here on May 7, from 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM. Other sessions will be recorded and made available on the PA Courts website after the event.

The Summit is being hosted by the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts (OEJC) and Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts and is funded through a grant awarded to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts by the federal Administration on Community Living. The Summit is one of several grant projects supporting three overarching goals: (1) assuring due process for alleged incapacitated persons; (2) improving guardianship monitoring capabilities to prevent abuse and exploitation; and (3) promoting alternatives to guardianship.

“This press release is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,121,598.64 with 75% funded by ACL/HHS and $530,399.66, and 25% funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”