CLEARFIELD – Two Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (CCAAA) staff members recently joined an elite group of National Certified Guardians. In October, John Kordish, Executive Director, and Amanda LeGars, Older Adult Protective Services Supervisor, successfully completed the Certification Examination for the National Certified Guardian (NCG) designation, given in Hershey, Pennsylvania on October 2, 2010. The examination was offered during the annual conference of the National Guardianship Association.
The CCAAA occasionally serves in the capacity of a court-appointed guardian for older adults determined to be incapacitated. Typically, the Agency does so only when less intrusive forms of support are not adequate or appropriate, and only as a last resort when responsible family members are not available or willing. “We take those responsibilities seriously, and we recognize the ethical considerations soberly. It was for those reasons that we voluntarily pursued the certification this year, completed the summer study classes, and sat for the exam,” John and Amanda explained.
Guardians are not required to be certified in Pennsylvania. However, obtaining the National Certified Guardian designation indicates the guardian meets specific qualifications and has attained a level of knowledge and experience in guardianship services. Certified guardians commit to professional standards of practice and a model code of ethics published by the National Guardianship Association. There are presently 1,974 certified guardians throughout the United States; there are only 39 in Pennsylvania. More information on guardianships can be found at the NGA Web site at www.guardianship.org .
“As certified guardians at the Area Agency on Aging, we trust this will add to the confidence of the courts and families that our Agency will continue to do its best to skillfully serve those who are most vulnerable, with dignity and respect,” John stated.
For additional information on the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc, please contact the Agency at 814-765-2696 or visit them online at www.ccaaa.net. Programs and services of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Mature Resources Foundation, and local and client contributions.