Guardianship is a legal relationship established by the Probate Court between two parties, one being the guardian and the other being the ward.  Only the Probate Court may establish guardianship.  If, after a thorough investigation and hearing, the court finds a person incapable of managing his or her own person  and/or affairs, it will appoint a legal guardian. 

The service provides trained, qualified volunteer or staff legal guardians to serve as concerned, caring advocates and surrogate decision-makers when no less restrictive alternative to guardianship is available.

The guardian has the following responsibilities:

• Make monthly visitations
• Protect the ward's rights
• Ensure the best possible living conditions
• Make medical decisions
• Uphold the ward's dignity and value

A prospective ward must meet the following criteria to qualify for guardianship:

• Be age 60 or over
• Indigent (meeting Medicaid eligibility)
• Lack available, appropriate family and/or support
• Incompetency alleged through an expert evaluation

Volunteer guardians are recruited and trained by a team which includes the Catholic Charities staff, Probate Judge, court investigator, volunteer attorney and others.  The program supervisor is available to the guardians for consultation with regard to their wards.  In-services provide ongoing education on pertinent subjects related to guardianship.  Guardians are expected to submit monthly contact reports.  The guardian is responsible to act in an ethical, conscientious way to promote the well-being of the ward.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer guardian, please call the office or email us at brianj@doyccac.org.

In 2010, Catholic Charities provided guardianship services to 79 older adults.