Guardianship Services
 
 
Guardianship Assistance
provides 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 and Ogle Counties.
 
 
Future Planning Seminars
 
The subject of guardianship for an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is complex and requires thoughtful consideration.  One should take the time to understand the strengths and needs of the individual before making decisions regarding how to best support him or her.
 
The Arc provides Future Planning Seminars to equip parents, family members, and professionals with the vital information needed to make such important decisions.
 
Future planning Seminars provide an introduction to:
 
  • Guardianship and Alternatives
  • Special Needs Trusts
  • Benefits
  • The PUNS list (Illinois waiting list)
 
Seminars are held at The Arc office, 6-8 pm, unless noted. 
 
Registration is required.  Call 815-965-3455 to register. 
 
Some Basic Guardianship Info 
 
Once a child reached age 18, the parent is no longer the guardian.
 
Guardianship is a legal means of protecting adults who cannot take care of themselves, make or communicate decisions in their best interest, or handle their assets.
 
If a person is capable of making some but not all decisions, some alternatives to guardianship are:
 
  • Money Management or Representative Payee
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Property
  • Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
  • Trusts
 
There are different types of Guardianship:
  • Guardianship of the Person 
  • Guardian of the Estate
  • Limited Guardianship 

Guardianships are supervised by the court.

Parents or other potential guardians must carefully consider the person's individual circumstances, including strengths, challenges, needs and best interests, before petitioning for guardianship. 
 
 
 
 
 
Pat Kline
Program Coordinator
815-965-3455