The Guardianship Quality Initiative (GQI)<br/>

Touro Law Center’s Aging and Longevity Law Institute launches the Guardianship Quality Initiative: A unique program designed to address every aspect of a Mental Hygiene Law article 81 guardianship proceeding.

 

Millions of Americans, hundreds of thousands of whom live in New York, are victims of Alzheimer’s disease or other diseases or conditions that cause diminished mental capacity. The Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by the year 2050, the number of people 65 years of age and older with Alzheimer’s disease will triple, from 5.1 million to 13.8 million. In addition, tens of thousands of older New Yorkers will suffer with other physical or mental health, personal or financial challenges which will require legal assistance, including, for some, the protection of the Guardianship Courts.

 

The Guardianship Quality Initiative (“GQI”) was created by Robert "Bob" Abrams, co-founder of Touro Law Center’s Aging and Longevity Law Institute (“ALLI”). GQI’s goal is to assess and address the legal needs of these vulnerable individuals as well as to inform and educate the legal community about the medical, societal, personal, legal, and non-legal issues that affect individuals with diminished mental capacity, their loved ones and their communities.

 

In cooperation with the New York State Office of Court Administration, prominent judges, experienced practitioners, government representatives, healthcare professionals, and members of academia, ALLI has created a comprehensive program that includes valuable and practical resources for New York judges, lawyers, court personnel and all guardianship stakeholders.

 

GQI is an historic initiative that will not only improve the quality and delivery of legal services to older New Yorkers, but also serve as a national example as to how the legal community can partner with legal educators to leverage collective expertise, available technology, and unwavering collegial commitment to ensure our community is better equipped to address an important societal issue. The GQI endeavors to provide lawyers, judges, and court personnel with the information, tools, and resources necessary to meet the needs of individuals with diminished mental capacity and their families. A series of online continuing legal education ("CLE") programs and several live CLE programs will address How to Humanely and Competently Assess, Litigate, and Adjudicate Matters Involving Individuals with Diminished Mental Capacity.

 

Click here to access the Guardianship Quality Initiative Brochure.

 

Please click here to go directly to the Guardianship Quality Initiative Registration Page.