Issues & Resources

Guardianship begins when a person is at risk of diminished quality of life or harm.

In New York, guardians are appointed when a mental, cognitive, or physical condition affects one’s ability to care for themselves.

There is no public guardianship system in New York, so the role is filled by adult protective services, community guardian programs, and others.

Each state has its own laws and regulations around guardianship and protective care.

Learn more about guardianship topics such as disabilities, dementia and Alzheimer’s, homelessness, mental health, immigration, financial abuse, and elder abuse.

Project Guardianship resources about benefits, housing supports, managing finances, disabilities, mental health, dementia, Alzheimer’s, elder abuse, financial exploitation, elder care, estate planning, COVID-19, and more.