MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Supreme Court of Alabama has established the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships to continue the work of the Alabama Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders group, a multidisciplinary effort to improve Alabama’s guardianship and conservatorship systems, in a long-term and sustainable way.
The first Alabama WINGS group was established in 2017 and administered by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts with funding support from the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging and the Alabama Law Foundation Inc.
The Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships will continue the mission of WINGS, which is to deliver information, resources and tools throughout the legal system, and to the public, as a means of providing appropriate decision-making supports and protective services to individuals. The commission is comprised of 20 members appointed by the Supreme Court of Alabama.
Chief Justice Tom Parker said on behalf of the Court: “This Commission was established primarily to identify problems and propose solutions to issues affecting vulnerable adults and those with disabilities who encounter the guardianship system. We also want to encourage the use of alternatives to guardianship as a way for individuals to maintain decision-making independence.”
Gaines Brake, the chair of the commission, added: “I am thrilled the Alabama Supreme Court has created this Commission. It will allow us to make further improvements to the guardianship system and enhance resources for courts, attorneys, professionals, and the public.”
More information about the Guardianship and Conservatorship Commission may be found on the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts’ website.