What is guardianship all about?
Guardianship is a legally defined process whereby a person (the ward) has been declared by the Probate Court to be incompetent and a legal guardian is appointed by the Probate Court to assist the ward with decision-making. Guardianship may be of the person (medical decisions), or, of the estate (financial decisions). Volunteers serve only as guardians of the person and are not responsible for any financial decisions.
How much of my time will be involved if I agree to volunteer?
As a volunteer guardian, one or two hours per month would generally be needed. This time could be a combination of telephone and in-person contacts, including attending the quarterly care conferences. Volunteer guardians are required to attend an initial 3-hour training program either online or in person at the volunteer’s discretion.
What can you tell me about the people who are in need of a volunteer?
The people who are referred to Guardian Support Service (GSS ) are adults in long-term care facilities who are unable to make decisions for themselves and who do not have family or friends willing to become legal guardians.
What kinds of things would I be doing as a volunteer?
As a volunteer guardian, your primary tasks would be health-related decision-making and advocating for the ward. You would always have GSS available for consultation as you make decisions.
What costs am I likely to incur if I volunteer?
None. You are not personally liable for any costs incurred by the ward. You incur only the travel and telephone costs of having contact with the ward.
What is the process for becoming a volunteer guardian?
You will be asked asked to complete an application which is submitted to the Stark County Probate Court for a background check. Training will then be scheduled either in person or through the Supreme Court of Ohio’s website. After the training is completed GSS will try to geographically match you with a ward in a care facility close to where you live (Canton, Massillon, or Alliance). Once a match is made you will be given information about the person, their needs, and health status. If at that time you are ready to proceed as a volunteer guardian, GSS will prepare the necessary paperwork for the Probate Court.
What do I do and who do I call if and when I run into a problem after the relationship with the ward begins?
Should a problem or question arise at any time during the guardianship, contact GSS. GSS staff will address your concerns and assist you in resolving any problems.
What kinds of paperwork will I have to do?
As a volunteer guardian, the Court will require a Guardian’s Report and Annual Plan to be completed every year. These forms will be fully explained to you in the training session and will be mailed to you by GSS before the due date with a return envelope. After completion, GSS will file the reports with the Court.
Why should I consider volunteering for GSS?
The need for guardians is great! Volunteering in this program will give you the unique opportunity of being able to improve the life of a person in need by offering a caring heart and only a small portion of your time.