Public Policies
This section contains particular public policies of the Missouri Guardianship Association, which you can read by scrolling down this page.
Targeted Population
The Missouri Guardianship Association, (MGA), is a 501(c)(3) organization that was conceived, born, and incorporated for the purpose of helping guardians and wards with the unique circumstances they face because of guardianships, court adjudications respective disabilities, and various statutory requirements.
Although the MGA will work with others involving guardianships, in educational outreach efforts, the primary target population of the MGA is guardians and their wards.
The MGA strives to provide the most inclusive environment that is possible to serve the largest and most diverse population of wards and guardians. This is achieved by the MGA being a multi faceted interactive organization.
The MGA strongly believes that guardians and even wards need and deserve an organization that is familiar with guardianships and the circumstances they face, and proactively strives to provide them the supports and assistance they need.
Abuse, Neglect, & Deaths
In 2015, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article estimated there are 53,000 wards across Missouri.
In 2019, the Missouri Department of Mental Health report estimates 98% of all wards have a private guardian.
In 2020, the Missouri Association of Public Administrators report asserts its members only have 11,000 wards.
On June 9, 2021, the Columbia Missourian reported that from January 1, 2019, to April 22, 2021, 36% of wards living in homes operated by private organizations under state contract were physically abused, 7% sexually abused, 10% verbally abused, 10% physically / verbally abused together, 18% were neglected, and 19% were exploited for money and/or property.
Moreover, during that same period, 1% died by homicides, 1% by suicides, 7% by alleged accidental causes, and 22% died from unknown reasons.
The MGA believes that in providing our innovative, ambitious and holistic services, programs, and activities for both wards and guardians, we can contribute to helping wards live a safe and enriching life.
Moreover, the MGA believes that by giving guardians the supports and help they need, they are empowered with the tools and stability needed to do the best job they can as guardian.
Classification of Guardianships
In 2015, there was a combined total of 53,000 guardianships in Missouri.
In 2021, there was a combined total of 51,365 guardianships in Missouri.
Since 1983, the Missouri Guardianship Code has operated on a one size fits all glass bubble. The result is some guardianships involve too much structure to create risks of wards being abused, whereas others receive insufficient amounts of structure to put the personal and/or physical safety of the ward and public at risk.
The MGA operates on a three-tier classification system in that of general guardianships, specialized guardianships, and forensic guardianships. By using this system, it better identifies why guardianships exist, the scope and barriers involved in each one, and risk factors for abuse, neglect and exploitation to prevent.
A general is the lowest type and requires the least amount of supports, structure and supervision. Whereas, specialized involves a ward requiring specific care or treatment, that without it, the ward's life, health, safety, or welfare are in imminent danger. A forensic guardianship involves a ward involved in or at substantial risk of being involved in the criminal justice system.
Stop Discrimination
The core values of the MGA is that of providing services, programs and activities that are Respectful, Inclusive, Dignified, and Effective. Moreover, that reach broadest and most diverse population of people in guardianships that is possible.
To achieve this, the MGA does not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.
Stop Harassment
The MGA has a zero tolerance policy for people being harassed whether such is sexual, workplace, mental or emotional, or rises to other forms of harassment.
The MGA believes every person is entitled to environments that are safe and conducive to the mission of the MGA's purpose and various services, programs and activities the MGA provides.
Required Consents
Due to the type and nature of the services, programs, and activities the MGA provides and the targeted population of participants, whenever and wherever required by state and/or federal law(s) the MGA requires consents to participate and consents to obtain and release protected information.
Corporation With Government
Due to the type and nature of the services, programs, and activities the MGA provides, and applicable laws, members of management, paid staff, and volunteers might be state mandated reporters and you should presume they are.
Whenever a ward is on parole or on probation, and wishes to participate in any service, activity, or program the MGA provides, and his or her guardian has issued his or her written consent, the MGA will attempt to work with the parole or probation offer to obtain his or her consent, whenever and wherever such is required by law, or any term or condition of parole or probation, and with the consent of the guardian.