Recent News

 

Loneliness, Neglect, and Vulnerability: Why Indiana Needs More Volunteer Advocates Now

Every year in Indiana, tens of thousands of elder abuse cases are reported, approximately 40,000 annually, according to state-level data. But these are only the cases that make it to paper; behind the numbers are individuals quietly suffering in isolation, without family, without resources, and without a voice in the legal system.

For those who live in Johnson, Shelby, and Hancock counties, the situation is particularly urgent. Many vulnerable seniors and incapacitated adults are in need of guardianship services, but District 17 VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) can only take on as many cases as they have trained volunteers to support.

Without someone to advocate for them, these individuals face not just loneliness, but neglect, legal vulnerability, and often a complete loss of independence. That’s why now more than ever, Indiana needs volunteer advocates, compassionate community members ready to step into a meaningful role that can change a life forever.

What Is Public Guardianship?

Imagine living with dementia or a cognitive disability and having no family or trusted support to help you make important life decisions, no one to guide you through healthcare, housing, or financial issues. For thousands of vulnerable adults in Indiana, that’s the reality. And that’s exactly where public guardianship comes in.

Public guardianship is a life-saving service for individuals who are legally incapacitated and have no one else to help them. But despite its vital importance, few people outside the court system truly understand how it works, or how organizations like District 17 VASIA play a central role.

Whether you’re a concerned community member, a healthcare worker, or someone wondering how to refer a neighbor or loved one for guardianship, this guide will help you understand what public guardianship is, how VASIA fits in, and how you can get involved.

Resources

Guardianship Referral

 

Guardianship Is a Last Resort, But Sometimes, It’s the Right One

 

Making the decision to refer someone for public guardianship is never easy. It’s a serious, often complex process, and it should always be considered a last-resort solution after all other support systems have been exhausted.

 

At District 17 VASIA, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate this process. That’s why we’ve created a short, informative video to help you understand when guardianship might be appropriate and how to complete the referral form through our website.

 

 

VASIA Attending National Guardianship Conference

 

 

District 17 VASIA is proud to announce that our Director, Lauren Rynerson, and Assistant Director, Rita Janis, along with some of our dedicated volunteers, will be attending the 2025 National Conference on Guardianship hosted by the National Guardianship Association (NGA) from October 25–28 in Oklahoma City, OK.

 

This annual event brings together public and private guardians, investigators, and professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore new research, and strengthen the national guardianship community. The conference includes general sessions, specialized training intensives, and breakout workshops for professionals at every level of experience.

 

As we invest in continuing education and national collaboration, our office will be closed from October 24–28 to allow our team to participate fully. We appreciate your understanding as we take this opportunity to grow, learn, and bring back valuable insights to better serve the communities of Johnson, Shelby, and Hancock counties.