4/24/2014 Guardian Qualifications: A Journey Not a Destination - PDF document

4/24/2014 Guardian Qualifications: A Journey Not a Destination Mindi R. Blanchard, M.Ed., CPG Bridge Builders, Ltd/ The Guardian Institute Sequim, Washington Eloisa Roses Ramos, LCSW, NCG Barry University/ Office of the Pubic Guardian Davie, Florida Beginning the Journey Beginning the Journey Guardian Internships through local colleges and universities Definition of an Intern • Individuals regardless of age who are pursuing guardianship as a profession. • Individuals in social work or similar majors who • Individuals in social work or similar majors who are required to complete an internship or practicum for the degree requirements. 1

4/24/2014 Obj ectives • Interns would learn the basic laws and reporting requirements for guardians. • Interns would learn how to appropriately • Interns would learn how to appropriately advocate for vulnerable adults. • Interns would learn techniques for managing challenging behaviors. • Interns would learn techniques for managing challenging family dynamics. Basic Qualifications • Undergraduate student OR an individual interested in becoming a guardian AND having a bachelor s degree or higher in a related field. bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field • Pass the required criminal background check. • Be bondable to the amount required. • Pass an in-depth interview with the director of the program. Basic Guardian Training • Basic information on guardianship law and how it applies to the day-to-day service of vulnerable adults adults. • Two hours of direct supervision by the supervising guardian each week. • Basic information on ethics and conflicts of interest. • Learning about available resources and how to access them. 2

4/24/2014 Basic Guardian Training • Basic information regarding court forms for which the guardian is responsible. • Completing a clinical training that covers • Completing a clinical training that covers boundaries, dementia behaviors, mental health issues and family dynamics. • Successfully complete the basic guardian training course test. Level 2 of the Journey Level 2 of the Journey Provisional to Registered Guardian Obj ectives • Provide supervised experiential training for aspiring guardians. • Provides a certain amount of autonomy while • Provides a certain amount of autonomy while still having oversight by an experienced guardian. • Provide a less disruptive transition of the case load back to the supervising guardian should the Provisional Guardian be unable to continue for any reason. 3

4/24/2014 Obj ectives • Provide training in business concepts and how they apply to a guardianship business. Qualifications of a Provisional Guardian • Successfully completes a guardian internship. • Has been hired by a supervisory guardian or approved guardian agency approved guardian agency. • If wishing to start a guardianship business, successfully completes the guardian business training. • Has a good credit score. • Has no felony convictions. Qualifications of a Provisional Guardian • Has no misdemeanor convictions of moral turpitude. • Possesses an undergraduate degree or higher • Possesses an undergraduate degree or higher from an accredited institution. • Successfully answers screening questions that include personal and professional boundaries and creative problem-solving. 4

4/24/2014 Provisional Guardian Training • Instruction on the unique requirements for the geographical locations served. • In-depth training on guardianship law and the • In-depth training on guardianship law and the application of these laws. • In-depth training on ethics, conflicts of interest and common guardianship problems and how to avoid them. • Case study discussions of the application of guardian ethics. Provisional Guardian Training • Case study discussions on challenging client situations; brainstorming various way to resolve them and how to find the resources necessary to them and how to find the resources necessary to accomplish a successful outcome. • In-depth training on the responsibilities of a professional guardian in all aspects of the Ward’s care. Provisional Guardian Training • The Provisional Guardian’s responsibilities to their supervisors and what they should expect from their supervisors from their supervisors. • If planning to own a business, successfully completing the guardian business training. • Pass the Registered Guardian test proved by the Centers for Guardian Certification. 5

4/24/2014 Level 3 of the Journey Level 3 of the Journey Master or Veteran Guardian Obj ectives • Provide supervision to Provisional Guardians and ongoing as-needed mentoring to Registered Guardians. • Provide consulting services for challenging cases, guardianship or in the private sector. • Work on special projects that may be grant funded. • Provide stability for Wards should the Provisional or Registered Guardian be unable to continue. Qualifications • Successfully complete the Master Guardian training or specialized training designated by the governing agency governing agency. • Demonstrated proficiency in fiduciary management, care management, resource identification, behavior management. • Demonstrated ability to provide professional reports to the court that are well done and filed in a timely manner. 6

4/24/2014 Qualifications • Demonstrated ability to successfully run a guardianship business, if they own one. Veteran Guardian Training • Leadership training. • Training regarding the responsibilities of the Veteran Guardian Veteran Guardian. • Guidelines for supervisors. S ervices Provided by Veteran Guardians • Leading meetings for Registered and other Veteran Guardians that cover new information and issues and issues. • Provide insight to the regulatory agency about the industry of guardianship. • Consulting services for lay and professional guardians. 7

4/24/2014 Options for Training Programs • Registered Guardian – Center for Guardianship Certification. • Master Guardian – Center for Guardianship • Master Guardian – Center for Guardianship Certification. • Develop a training based on an already established training program. A Guardianship Association Questions? 8