Giving courts the information necessary to implement limited guardianships: are we there yet?

A retrospective analysis of written court records and audiotapes of court testimony for adult guardianship cases in 2 Kentucky counties was conducted. Two hundred forty clinical assessments were reviewed for 80 court petitions. The purpose of this research was to learn how interdisciplinary assessment teams contributed to the guardianship process for older adults. Guardianship assessments and court testimony were reviewed to explore the comprehensiveness of reports to the court, the consideration of less restrictive alternatives, and the use of limited guardianships. Recommendations are given for ways in which social workers can improve information given to the courts and advocate for elders in this situation. The role of social work in this national phenomenon is discussed.