Guardianship Assistance 

HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE NEEDS  GUARDIANSHIP?

The inability to engage in the decision-making process is the first step to determining a need for guardianship. 

Here are some practical questions which should be addressed:

• Does the person understand that a particular decision needs to be made?
• Does the person understand the options available in any decisions?
• Does the person understand the consequences of each option?
• Is the person able to properly inform appropriate parties once the decision has been made?

WHO MAY NEED GUARDIANSHIP?

An individual may need a guardianship if he/she has:

• Mental deterioration
• Physical incapacity
• Mental illness
• Developmental disabilities*
• Intellectual or cognitive disabilities*

*LOW COST GUARDIANSHIP ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ONLY, THROUGH THE ARC OF WINNEBAGO, BOONE AND OGLE COUNTIES.

WHAT IS GUARDIANSHIP?

Guardianship is a legal process by which a guardian is appointed to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed to be incapable of making decisions for him/herself.

The fact that a person has a disability does not automatically dictate a need for guardianship.

The inability to make sound decisions about where to live, where to work, how and when to seek medical care, how to properly care for dependents, and how to purchase items like food that a person may be in need of guardianship services.

LOW COST GUARDIANSHIP ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH THE ARC OF WINNEBAGO, BOONE AND OGLE COUNTIES:

Information, assessment and legal services to families or others seeking uncontested legal guardianship of adults (18 years or older) with disabilities living in Winnebago, Boone & Ogle Counties.  It is important that all parties understand that guardianship is a serious legal procedure designed to protect the interest of the person with a disability and is not for the convenience of others.

To be eligible for the Arc’s Low Cost Guardianship Assistance Program, the person with disabilities must be at least l8 years of age, live in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle Counties, and exhibit significant dysfunction that would render the individual incapable of giving informed consent for their own care and treatment or otherwise impair their ability to make major decisions.

GUARDIANSHIP AND FUTURE PLANNING WORKSHOPS

Quarterly workshops presented by Atty. J. Laird Lambert. See calendar for dates.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM?

CONTACT The Arc

Family Support Coordinator

at 815 965 3455 or click here to email