The Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianships Stakeholders

A Northwestern University, Pritzker School of Law, honors graduate, Judge Megan Goldish is a judge at the domestic violence court in the Circuit Court of Cook County. She always ensures updates on new laws and participates in community programs to approach cases with empathy. One of Judge Megan Goldish’s undertakings was a supervising attorney’s role in the Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianships Stakeholders (WINGS) program.

One of the proposals of the 2011 third National Guardianship Summit was the creation of sustainable state groups to advance adult guardianship processes across different entities. And thus, WINGS was born. They are court-community partnerships that include judges, court staff, public and private bar associations, and advocacy groups. The partnerships also include medical and mental health professionals and disability groups, all geared to improve the lives of people who require assistance in decision-making at a guardianship level.

WINGS adopts an ongoing model where pertinent stakeholders can debate and have a consensus on the present state of adult guardianship by brainstorming solutions and permanent fixes. Through accommodating all the entities involved in adult guardianships, the mission remains to formulate policies that are in the best interest of the parties involved, especially the minors.