Colloquium on Guardianship

Day 1 | Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Times shown are Eastern Daylight Time

12:45 pm – 12:50 pm | Opening Remarks

12:50 pm – 1:35 pm | Supported Decision-Making: Some Critical Observations
Prof. Israel Issi Doron, University of Haifa

This presentation will focus on supported decision-making as an alternative for traditional guardianship. The presentation will begin with some historical understanding of the legal development of adult guardianship legislation and its alternatives, such as substitute decision-making and supported decision-making. The presenter will then critically analyze the historical developments in the field of adult guardianship and supported decision-making, while providing new insights based on existing research in the field. The presentation will conclude with some key recommendations for future actions in the field of supported decision-making.

1:35 pm – 1:45 pm | Break

1:45 pm – 3:15 pm | Supported Decision-Making: Making it Work
Anna Krieger, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Jonathan Gardner, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council

This program will address the basic concepts of supported decision-making and how it can work in combination with other decision-making tools. We will use real life examples to explore how supported decision-making can work in practice, from selecting supporters, to making complex decisions, to working with third-parties. Jonathan Gardner will share his personal experience as a decision-maker using supported decision-making to navigate fighting cancer during the pandemic.

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm | Break

3:30pm – 5:00 pm | Incorporating Supported Decision-Making Principles into Your Practice
Melissa Keyes, Indiana Disability Rights
Dennis Frick, Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

This session will provide information for attorneys and guardians on how to incorporate principles of supported decision-making into their practices. A focus of the session will provide examples for supported decision-making within other legal processes like power of attorney and guardianship. Finally, there will be a discussion of ways to support implementation and address barriers for clients to use supported decision-making.

5:00 pm | Day 1 Closing Remarks

Day 2 | Thursday, May 18, 2023
Times shown are Eastern Daylight Time

12:55 pm – 1:00 pm | Opening Remarks

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | What Every Guardian Should Know About Trusts
Gregory W. MacKenzie, Esq., Hurley Styles Hamblin & Panter, PA

Over the last two decades, trusts have become a predominant estate planning tool for many people, not just those with substantial wealth. As a result, guardians are increasingly called to deal with trustees. What does a guardian need to know about trusts? What is the extent of the trustee’s discretionary authority and fiduciary responsibility? To what extent is the trustee accountable, and how is accountability enforced? What are red flags which might indicate that there is something wrong in the trust administration? This discussion will answer these questions and more, with reference to actual cases. The guardian will leave the discussion with a basic understanding of trusts, what a guardian should expect from a trustee, and what should be done if those expectations fail.

2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Break

2:45 pm – 4:15 pm | The Coach Approach: How Great Guardians Lead Others to Behavioral Change
Ronna Caras, Center for Guardianship Excellence

Do it for the person, or spend extra time helping the person learn to do it for himself? This challenge belongs to guardians, conservators, business owners, parents, and almost every adult with a leadership role. In this presentation, the presenter will explore coaching as an option for liberating and empowering others by helping them change behavior and build new skills.

4:15 pm | Colloquium Closing Remarks

About Continuing Education Credits

Attendees participating in all live sessions can earn a potential of 6.00 credit hours. Participants who attend recorded sessions following the Colloquium may be limited, as not all accrediting bodies accept recorded sessions for credits. Because each accrediting body must approve the program prior to assigning credits, the specific number of credits accepted by each state and for each type of credit will not be definite until May. Keep in mind that not all hours will be deemed acceptable for all types of credit. Questions about continuing education credits can be sent to Kelly Dolan at education@guardianship.org or by calling NGA at 877-326-5992, ext. 2.

Proof of Attendance
NGA moderators and presenters will announce three codes during each session: one at the beginning of the session, one during the session, and another at the end of the session. Codes MUST be entered on attendance verification forms to receive proof of attendance. Should you miss one of the codes, please view the recorded session once it is released. Moderators, staff, and other attendees are unable to repeat these codes, as this is a requirement to verify attendance for continuing education credit. Falsifying information can result in loss of education hours for all attendees. Attendance forms must be completed and submitted to receive any credit; NGA strongly advises that all attendees submit attendance verification forms to document your participation should you need record of it in the future.

Verified Certificate of Attendance
The Colloquium registration includes a verified certificate for every attendee who submits an attendance verification sheet which uses a code system for each session. This certificate can be submitted as proof of attendance to areas of education where NGA did not seek preapproval.

Guardianship Credits
NGA’s Colloquium is approved for guardianship continuing education credits by the Center for Guardianship Certification (CGC) and the California Fiduciary Bureau. The verified certificate is accepted as proof of attendance for these organizations, as well as for Texas Guardianship Certification. NGA also applies to CE Broker (Florida Public Guardian Office) and Professional Guardian Certification Board of Washington State. Certificate fees apply to receive Guardianship CEUs for Florida and Washington.

Social Work Credits
NGA applies for social work credits with the NASW. Please verify that your state accepts the NASW approval. For a certificate documenting the pre-approved social work credits, a fee will be required.

Continuing Legal Education Credits
While NGA typically applies to an event’s host state for CLE credits, it is unable to do so for a virtual event. Individuals seeking legal credits should contact their state bar associations prior to the Colloquium to determine the steps needed to receive credit. If you need assistance with supporting documents, please contact education@guardianship.org. A verified certificate is included in the Colloquium fee.

Issuing of Certificates
To issue your certificate in a timely manner, NGA must receive your attendance code verification form promptly. Colloquium sessions will be available to view for one month following the event, and forms will be accepted until June 30. If received after this date, a late fee of $25 will be charged. Certificates can be downloaded online. All certificates ordered before the Colloquium will be issued by August 4. Registered attendees will receive a virtual Colloquium packet prior to the event, and this document will include the most current continuing education information.