What We've Achieved so far

Under the initial grant Oregon WINGS produced a series of publications aimed at informing and supporting guardianship decisions.  The three publications are:

• A brief information brochure for medical and other care professionals explaining guardianship and related fiduciary relationships.

• An informational booklet of all fiduciary decision-making options available in Oregon for the purposes of having a single source for families and other loved ones needing to identify fiduciary options.

• A person-centered planning tool for guardians to better understand their protected person(s) and what decisions should be made for the protected person.

In the next phase of grants from the ABA Commission on Law & Aging, Oregon WINGS pursued a mapping project.  This project included the aid of professional analysts to gather information from all over Oregon about guardianships and availability of alternatives.  Surveys, interviews, panels, and a statewide gathering of stakeholders helped inform WINGS about the spectrum of resources and services available to protect vulnerable adults, and where there are gaps.   

Following recommendations from the Mapping Project, WINGS identified gaps and prioritized projects meant to fill those gaps.  Initially, WINGS convened two workgroups: 

• The PR Project, or Get A Life Plan, workgroup produced a video, webpage, and multiple informational documents about guardianships and alternatives to guardianships.

• The Train-the-Trainer workgroup has produced a training curriculum intended to help organizations and entities train their staff and personnel about guardianships and alternatives. The training consists of a PowerPoint presentation, a Trainer’s Guide, and handouts.

WINGS continues to maintain the materials it has produced thus far, and to pursue further projects and policies as identified in the mapping project that will improve outcomes for Oregon’s vulnerable adults.