Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS)

What is WINGS?

WINGS is a multi-disciplinary problem solving body that relies on court-community partnerships to:

• Oversee guardianship practices
• Address key policy issues
• Improve the current system of guardianship and less restrictive alternatives
• Engage in outreach and education
• Enhance the quality of care and quality of life of vulnerable adults

WINGS groups exist throughout the country. WINGS groups are separate entities with a similar purpose and objectives:

• Seven states were funded through the Administration on Community Living grant to the ABA Commission on Law and Aging.  These states are developing strategic plans and measures of success, and engaging in specific objectives concerning guardianship reform, promotion of less restrictive options, and addressing guardianship abuse.  
• Nine states were funded through the National Guardianship Network project supported by the State Justice Institute in 2013 and 2015. Three of these states also received ACL grants in 2016 as "focus WINGS" that have special emphasis on less restrictive options and/or court oversight. 
• Additional states have created WINGS partnerships on their own, either at court initiative or outside of the court. These states vary in their level of activity, but all seek improved lives for individuals subject to or potentially subject to the guardianship system. 

How is Utah WINGS Organized?

Utah WINGS is made up of an Executive Committee and a Steering Committee and is currently chaired by Judge Keith Kelly (3rd District). Full WINGS meetings are attended by stakeholders from a wide variety of agencies, organizations, and related fields.

Utah WINGS holds full group meetings every other month. Minutes are taken at each meeting, archived for future reference, and available to the public. In the intervening months, the Executive Committee meets to discuss areas of concerns, projects that need additional dialogue to move forward, and upcoming items. The Executive Committee also sets the agenda for full meetings.

As needs warrant, WINGS will identify subcommittees to take on a particular topic or challenge, such as clerical education, annual report review processes, and community outreach. These subcommittees complete assignments through both in-person meetings and telecommunications, reporting back to WINGS on their progress and outcomes.

What is the role of Utah WINGS?

The mission of Utah WINGS is to bring together stakeholders from various disciplines to improve the state's guardianship and conservatorship services and processes. To carry out its mission, Utah WINGS:

• supports policy initiatives for the enhancement of guardianship and related infrastructure;
• identifies and develops education and outreach opportunities regarding guardianships, conservatorships, and their alternatives;
• provides training and support to those engaging the guardianship / conservatorship system;
• identifies resources that may be available in emergency cases where persons of limited decision-making capacity have no guardian;
• promotes high standards for guardians and conservators;
• promotes collaboration between Utah WINGS members and other stakeholders; and
• regularly evaluates the needs and priorities of Utah WINGS's efforts