Sustaining & Improving Guardianship – Giving Marginalized Citizens Voice

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Fairfield County was experiencing a problematic trend of an increasing need for guardianship services. Cases had increased 195% in five years, and there was a 228% increase in the number of indigent cases. The problem was a lack of guardians, a role typically served by attorneys, along with a growing need to provide services for marginalized citizens without financial means. To overcome the problem, Fairfield County transitioned from an attorney-based system to one focused on social services. Collaboration was key in terms of funding the program, improving referrals sources, and developing procedures. Now, intensive case management services have improved for clients, with an increase in contact hours per ward of 273%; there is no waiting list for services. The program benefits are both quantitative and qualitative, with many success stories showing improvement in residents’ quality of life. The new guardianship services are sustained by multiple partners and have given marginalized citizens voice, a say in their lives and levels of independence. The innovative program has engaged multiple partners and stakeholders, giving an example for small or medium-sized counties to model, especially if there is no dedicated funding stream for improvement.