Vera Institute of Justice

In launching TGP, Vera sought to cast a spotlight on a desperately missing element of the social safety net and support some of the most marginalized and forgotten members of our society, many of whom struggle with dementia, serious medical problems, pending evictions, or elder abuse. While it’s difficult to track how many people qualify or need guardianship, the need is undoubtedly growing. New York State currently has 3.7 million older adults and the state population is projected to be more than 24 percent older adults by 2025. A recent report said that 40 percent of the American middle class is at risk for poverty in retirement, many of whom will not have any trusted person to act as their guardian.

This month, thanks to support from The New York Community Trust, Vera is releasing a study assessing the current status of guardianship in New York State, which includes recommendations for how to meet the growing need for guardians.

With guardianship such a challenging role, involving the coordination of complex legal, health care, case management, and property issues, it is more important than ever that NYS develop a coherent plan to support qualified guardians.

Please join the Vera Institute of Justice’s Guardianship Project for a panel discussion on guardianship in New York State and get a free copy of the report Incapacitated, Indigent, and Alone: Meeting Guardianship and Decision Support Needs in New York.

Confirmed Presenters and Panelists:

• Kimberly George, Director, The Guardianship Project, Vera Institute of Justice
• John Holt, Director of Legal Services and Policy, The Guardianship Project, Vera Institute of Justice
• The Honorable Rory Lancman, Chair of Justice System, New York City Council
• Shawn Morehead, Vice President for Grants, The New York Community Trust
• Pamela Teaster, Professor and Director, Center for Gerontology, Virginia Tech
• The Honorable Charles Troia, Supreme Court, Richmond County, Staten Island, N.Y.
• Erica Wood, Assistant Director, American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging

*Doors open at 5:30pm, program from 6:00-7:30pm.