Empowering Autonomy: Navigating the Complexities of Adult Guardianship at #MACoCon

Adult guardianship in Maryland is a process that has sparked conversations in recent years around procedures in place to ensure vulnerable adults have access to the support and care they need when they are not able to manage on their own. While discussions about the challenges in the adult guardianship process have begun to take shape – most recently addressed in the Maryland Department of Legislative Services 2025 Legislative Session Issue Preview report – there still appears to be a lack of general understanding around how this process goes from start to finish. The panel session below will discuss how adult guardianship works from petition to a final order as well as all of the state and local agencies that play a vital role.

Title: Empowering Autonomy: Navigating the Complexities of Adult Guardianship

Description: Adult guardianship is the legal process that protects the safety and welfare of people who are unable to care for themselves. A number of government agencies play a role in making sure an individual in need of guardianship gets the efficient and urgent attention their circumstances demand. But sometimes, when a service passes through so many government silos, confusion and red tape can frustrate the process. This panel of experts will discuss guardianship petitions and the role of state and local agencies with a touchpoint on the process. The discussion will illuminate how the system works, the successes and challenges therein, and potential ways to improve this service for vulnerable individuals.

Speakers:

  • Sara Walsh – Circuit Court Magistrate, Baltimore City
  • Paula Erdie – CEO, MAC, Inc. – Maintaining Active Citizens
  • Leslie Ray – Client Community Services Director, Maryland Department of Aging
  • Mark Millspaugh – Director, Department of Social Services – Baltimore County

Moderator: The Honorable Karen Toles, MD House of Delegates

Date/Time: Wednesday, December 11, 2024; 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

The 2024 MACo Winter Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD from December 11-13. This year’s theme is “Anticipate, Adapt, Achieve: Thriving Through Turbulent Times.” More information can be found on MACo’s conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: