Guardianship Alternatives and Innovation Network (GAIN)

The Guardianship Alternatives and Innovation Network (GAIN) examines guardianship issues that impact adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Massachusetts. GAIN develops recommendations to improve the guardianship system and educates about guardianship alternatives to help increase the autonomy and well-being of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) so they can have maximum choice, control and independence to make decisions about their life.

About GAIN

"Some people call me the 'Human GPS.'
Supported Decision-Making is like a GPS.
It gives me guidance,
but I stay in control of the route.
My supporters guide me, not take the wheel."

– Craig Kinney, SDM user

The Guardianship Alternatives and Innovation Network (GAIN) began as the Guardianship Working Group (GWG) years ago representing a multi-disciplinary group of stakeholders which was led by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. GWG initially focused on guardianship issues that arose out of a Crocker Fellowship.

The GWG worked together to make recommendations regarding guardianship practices in the Commonwealth for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The original goal of the GWG was to develop recommendations for further research, training gaps, and potential systemic improvements.

The GWG was renamed as the Guardianship Alternatives and Innovation Network (GAIN). The GAIN Coalition gradually expanded its focus on guardianship alternatives and Supported Decision-Making (SDM), a way individuals with disabilities can make choices about their own lives.

In January 2024, GAIN members decided to target 3 primary areas: data, training, and a least restrictive framework. Data collection, review and analysis have been challenging in Massachusetts and nationwide. The lack of public access to state guardianship data is attributed to different factors, including insufficient funding, outdated technology, and differences in case management systems. Differences in local methodical approaches to label and count cases also makes it difficult to collect data and hinders research and systemic reform. GAIN is working on compiling information and resources for individuals, parents, families, and professionals about least restrictive options to guardianship. A coalition workgroup is developing a least restrictive framework to help inform individuals, parents and professionals about those options.

Additional Resources

• Administration for Community Living (ACL) – Alternatives to Guardianship: ACL's webpage provides important information, definitions and additional resources surrounding guardianship and alternatives. 
• Center for Public Representation (CPR) – SDM - Promoting Universal Access: CPR's SDM website includes resources on less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, including Supported Decision-Making. You can find handouts on "Getting Started with Supported Decision-Making," "Key Words to Know in Massachusetts," "Resources and Forms for Massachusetts Families," an "SDM Toolkit for Family Support Centers," and illustrative videos.  There are resources in English, Spanish, and Khmer.
• Conexiones Latinx-MA - Learn About Adult Guardianship (Project funded by the MDDC): This document provides a list of information and suggestions for guardianship and decision-making for adults in Massachusetts.
• Disability Law Center (DLC) - Self Help Guides: The DLC has a library of self help guides on a wide range of topics related to disability rights, benefits, self-determination, and more. This includes "Alternatives to Guardianship and Guardianship" (available in both English and Spanish.) This document explores alternatives to guardianship in Massachusetts and provides information on the rights of people subjected to guardianship. On the DLC website, use the "Information" drop-down menu to find things like ASL Vlogs, Videos of Self Help Guides and Spanish language materials.
• Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) – Guardianship: Less Restrictive Options: EJI's webpage provides important information, definitions and additional resources surrounding guardianship and alternatives.
• Massachusetts Office of Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Oversight (OAGCO): The Massachusetts OAGCO is responsible for monitoring reporting by guardians and conservators of adults in the Commonwealth. They also provide education on alternatives to guardianship and restoration of rights.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Guardianship

The GAIN coalition hosted a webinar, "Unraveling the Mysteries of Guardianship" on May 20, 2026. This panel discussion introduced essential terms, explained alternatives to guardianship, and explored how we can support self‑determination at every stage of life.

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