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The Michigan Guardianship Diversion Project (MGDP) was a pilot project funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund in 2024 and 2025. The project has now concluded and a final report is forthcoming. It sought to empower older adults and individuals with disabilities by connecting them to community services, public benefits, and legal resources that can help them remain independent. The project was informed by the knowledge that while guardianship is an important tool to protect vulnerable adults where there is no other option, it can be used too often, too broadly, and without recognizing the individual’s abilities, needs, and preferences. MGDP demonstrated that by utilizing less restrictive alternatives, individuals can often get the help they need while preserving their cherished right to make decisions for themselves.
The project worked with the probate courts in Bay County, Genesee County, Grand Traverse County, and Muskegon County. Working closely with the courts and community partners in each county, the MGDP completed the tasks listed below. MEJI is particularly proud that in Bay County, the MGDP reduced the number of guardianship petitions filed by 39.8% in 2024 and 45% in 2025 compared to the number of guardianship petitions filed in 2023. Because of the success of the MGDP in Bay County, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded another generous two-year grant to the Bay County Department on Aging to continue and expand the Bay County Guardianship Diversion Project. MEJI has also incorporated many of the lessons learned in the MGDP into its new initiative, the Michigan Advancing Guardianship Innovations Center.
Troubleshot cases with community agencies and institutions to explore whether an alternative to guardianship existed.
Offered training to stakeholders in the guardianship process in the four counties and across the state about less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
Analyzed data in the four courts to assess the efficacy of the pilot project.
Spoke directly to those filing guardianship petitions and the respondents in those cases to assess the strengths and needs of individuals, identified services and resources that may have eliminated the need for guardianship, and conducted warm hand-offs to community agencies that could help individuals avoid guardianship.
Created simple, easy-to-understand materials for consumers about common concerns that lead to guardianship and alternate strategies to assist.
Collaborated with judges, court staff, guardians ad litem, and attorneys to reduce unnecessary guardianships.
Facilitated opportunities for judicial staff and physicians to explore their different understanding of capacity evaluations.
For more information, contact Rachel Richards at rrichards@meji.org