Supporting vulnerable adults through community guardianship mapping in Massachusetts

In 2024, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court reported nearly 29,500 adults under court-ordered guardianship.  Of that number, roughly 40% are between the ages of 18 and 35. These figures, reflecting both younger and older adults under guardianship, underscore an urgent need to bring stakeholders together to examine more effective, person-centered alternatives that better support adults requiring assistance while preserving autonomy whenever possible.

Background

The Massachusetts Trial Court received an Elder Justice Innovation Grant (EJIG) in 2021 from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to closely examine the state's approach to adult guardianship. Three years after the initial award, additional funding was received to host NCSC-facilitated, pilot guardianship community mapping workshops known as Guideianship Mapping.

For years, NCSC has used judicially led, multidisciplinary community mapping to strengthen cross-system relationships and develop coordinated, community-driven solutions in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Massachusetts Administrative Office of Probate and Family Court looked to NCSC's experience to develop and pilot community mapping for adult guardianship the Guideianship Mapping for adult guardianship cases in the state starting with both Barnstable and Hampden counties.

Our process

Working alongside the Massachusetts Trial Court, NCSC experts designed and facilitated two-day "Guideianship Community Mapping" workshops in collaboration with both Hampden and Barnstable probate and family courts. These workshops grounded participants in national, state, and local data and general information about the state's guardianship process, along with education on the less restrictive alternative options recognized in Massachusetts. The workshops then guided participants through a structured and interactive process to identify resources, information and service gaps, and opportunities for supporting vulnerable adult populations. At the conclusion of the mapping, participants left with group-developed action plans designed to enhance guardianship processes in their communities.

Guideianship mapping in action

In Hampden and Barnstable counties, nearly 50 stakeholders in each community attended the mappings to listen and learn, identify priorities to collaborate on, and build action plans for continued engagement and enhancement of services and resources for all vulnerable adult populations who are or may be subject to guardianship. 

Some of the participants represented the following groups:

• Court staff, judiciary, legal representatives, and law enforcement
• Healthcare providers and community/social services 
• Aging, disability, and senior services 
• State and local government 
• Schools

The results

The Guideianship mapping process reinforced the importance of cross-sector partnerships for supporting individual communities, furthering education efforts, and expanding the accessibility of services. 

Hampden County participants reported increased awareness of community services and resources following the workshop, and over 40% felt more confident in applying less restrictive alternatives in their work. Top priorities emerging from the Hampden County workshop included expanding affordable housing and education for schools, seniors, and healthcare providers. 

In Barnstable County, 56% of participants reported feeling more confident about their knowledge of less restrictive alternatives and 70% shared being able to apply what they learned in both their work and advocacy. Top priorities identified during the Barnstable County workshop included educating and supporting emerging adults and their families to better understand available options and make informed decisions about effective support plans. Another priority was recruiting more guardians and natural support volunteers to assist individuals in need.

Next steps

NCSC and the Massachusetts Trial Court will produce individual final reports for Hampden and Barnstable counties based on their respective guardianship community mapping efforts. These reports will be shared with participants and the broader community to inform ongoing collaboration and action planning efforts, raise awareness of available options, and guide the development of more effective, person-centered approaches.

However, the work does not end with the mapping process. Judicial leadership will continue to support participants in implementing their action plans and sustaining momentum toward meaningful system improvements.

Download the Hampden County report