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Indiana Supreme Court establishes new task force to strengthen guardianship oversight

The Indiana Supreme Court established a new task force to strengthen guardianship oversight throughout the state.
The Indiana Supreme Court established a new task force to strengthen guardianship oversight throughout the state.

If a judge decides an adult can’t care for themselves, they can be placed under a court-appointed guardianship. But the guardianship system in Indiana has had some issues, advocates say. It’s why the Indiana Supreme Court established a new task force to strengthen guardianship oversight throughout the state.

Members of the Indiana Guardianship Oversight Task Force range from attorneys to judges to non-profit leaders.

Many say Indiana’s guardianship code is outdated, which prevents meaningful oversight or accountability for courts and the guardians themselves.

Other members say they want to focus on ensuring there’s an off-ramp for people who may need a guardian at one point, but later can make decisions for themselves.

The task force is required to provide a final report to the Supreme Court by December 1st, 2025.

That report should include the task force’s findings and recommendations on improving Indiana’s guardianship system.

Joanie Dugan is WFIU's regional newscaster for All Things Considered. She graduated from Indiana University with degrees in English and Media.