WINGS
Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders
Priorities
The Washington State Supreme Court convened its inaugural WINGS Conference in Wenatchee, Washington, August 7, 2015. More than
200 individuals representing a broad-based group of stakeholders, including judicial officers, court staff, professional guardians,
lay/family guardians, persons with developmental disabilities, family members of persons in a guardianship, social workers, guardians
ad litem, attorneys, advocates, mental health professionals, seniors, legislators and more attended and discussed recommendations to
improve Washington's delivery of decisional-support. Speakers included Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, Washington State Supreme Court and
Mary Joy Quinn, WINGS Technical Advisor from the National Guardianship Network.
Prior to the conference, very high-level recommendations were identified using an online survey that was completed by 454 persons from
the same diverse populations that attended the conference. The Steering Committee prioritized the high-level recommendations from the online
survey and over-laid recommendations from several reports that were completed in Washington State in recent years. Prioritized recommendations
clustered into three areas:
- Supporting the family and friends of persons needing decisional support;
- Improving assessment of persons needing decisional support; and
- Improving Guardianship Standards and Practice.
Three temporary subcommittees comprised of volunteers who expressed an interest in the topic areas met multiple times, refined recommendations
in each area and prepared presentations for the conference.
Structured, facilitated stakeholder discussions conducted during the conference resulted in 23 prioritized recommendations. Based on the
priorities identified WINGS Steering Committee approved forming five committees:
- Legislative
- Long-Range Planning/Strategic Planning
- Standards & Best Practice
- Information & Training
- Conference Planning