This conference will be held as a hybrid event, both virtually as a live-stream and in person at the Inn at Villanova. Masks are REQUIRED for attendees in person.

Guardianship has been a hot topic recently, especially given the news coverage of the high-profile Britney Spears case. Spears’ case brought conversations about guardianship into the mainstream, and brought to light many questions advocates had been discussing for years. Why do guardianships happen? Does the Court need to take ALL of someone’s rights away? When is a guardianship actually necessary and appropriate? What are the legal or community-based alternatives to a guardianship?

Some alternatives to guardianship to be explored during this conference include mediation, restorative justice, supported decision-making, expanded community supports, and legal options including powers of attorney, health care directives, and representative payees. The format of the conference will include a keynote speaker, a panel discussion on alternatives, breakout sessions to explore alternatives in more depth, and a resource-sharing session.

Continuing education credits (CEUs) are pending for Certified Guardians, and continuing legal credits (CLEs) are pending for attorneys.

NASW-PA Chapter is a co-sponsor of this workshop. 5 CEs will be awarded for completion of this course, including possible CEs for sessions on Mediation and Restorative Justice. NASW has been designated as a pre-approved provider of professional continuing education for social workers (Section 47.36), Marriage and Family Therapist (Section 48.36) and Professional Counselors (Section 49.36) by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Additional information, including speakers and program descriptions and objectives, can be found HERE.