How to Have Good Guardians:The National Guardianship Association Standards of Practice

Breakout Session Presenter(s)

• 

  Eric Yetter

  Guardianship Coordinator
  Achieve

Guardianship and Supported Decision Making (SDM) can co-exist with one another. The National Guardianship Association (NGA) recognizes the benefit of SDM and encourages its use as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship. The NGA advocates for good guardians and the requirement of guardians to be properly trained and to follow ethical principles as noted below and how they relate to the NGA Standards of Practice https://www.guardianship.org/standards/

This presentation will share the NGA Ethical Principles and Standards of Practice. NGA has also developed a Standards of Practice Checklist to assist those considering guardianship with choosing the best guardian and ensuring they are completing duties with the individual’s best interest at the forefront.

National Guardianship Association Ethical Principles
1. A guardian treats the person with dignity. (Standard 3)
2. A guardian involves the person to the greatest extent possible in all decision
making. (Standard 9)
3. A guardian selects the option that places the least restrictions on the person’s
freedom and rights. (Standard 8)
4. A guardian identifies and advocates for the person’s goals, needs, and
preferences. (Standard 7)
5. A guardian maximizes the self-reliance and independence of the person. (Standard
9)
6. A guardian keeps confidential the affairs of the person. (Standard 11)
7. A guardian avoids conflicts of interest and self-dealing. (Standard 16)
8. A guardian complies with all laws and court orders. (Standard 2)
9. A guardian manages all financial matters carefully. (Standard 18)
10.A guardian respects that the money and property being managed belong to the
person. (Standard 17)

The term “guardian” includes all court-appointed fiduciaries. These Ethical Standards
are reflected throughout the National Guardianship Association’s Standards of Practice.
Guardians should look to the Standards for guidance on ways to carry out these ethical
principles, with specific reference to the highlighted standards.