Vera Institute of Justice

Overview

In 2005, Vera launched The Guardianship Project in New York City in collaboration with the New York State Office of Court Administration to address systemic inadequacies in the practice of legal guardianship for primarily elderly incapacitated people. Poor oversight and the absence of best practices in guardianship is a national problem, and New York State is no exception. This brief examines the national flaws in guardianship practice, focuses on New York State’s needs, and recommends ways to improve the system, save taxpayer funds, and protect a vulnerable population.