Public policy is generally defined as the course of action taken by a governmental body regarding an issue. Public policy is also known as a body of ideas and values guiding the decisions and actions of government as it seeks to address a need or a problem. Development of public policy is sometimes proactive, but more often than not it is reactive.

Guardianship stakeholders, public policymakers and legislators have been calling for assistance to develop public policy that improves the delivery of guardianship services. In 2009, the Board of Trustees of the Center for Guardianship Certification determined that responding to this request was vital to our mission and purpose. To be sure we understood the current political landscape on guardianship certification, CGC’s Public Policy Committee began by interviewing guardianship stakeholders across the nation.

Our statement has been discussed, drafted, debated and revised. After full deliberation, the CGC Board has adopted and is proud to present to you our Policy Statement on Certification.

We hope you will find this statement useful as you work on the goal you share with us-improving guardianship in service of the public good. We encourage you as a guardianship stakeholder to share it with your colleagues, legislators, judges, government officials and any of the other policy makers in your state. Lead the effort to endorse and implement this policy statement. We will include endorsements of our statement as a resource in the development of sound public policy across the nation. You may send your letter or statement of endorsement to Center for Guardianship Certification, PO Box 5704, Harrisburg, PA 17110. CGC’s Public Policy Committee will continue to develop materials that will assist stakeholders and policy makers to understand the positive role certification can play in achieving good guardianship public policy.