Public Guardianship Program
We work hard as public guardians for a limited number of individuals who are indigent and have no family or loved ones who can serve as their guardian. Our Guardianship of Last Resort (GOLR) program is contracted with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to serve 50 individuals. We focus on empowering people with disabilities to voice their opinions and help them reach their goals.
What is a Public Guardianship/Conservatorship?
Public Guardianship/Conservatorship is the court-ordered appointment of a public agency to make decisions on the behalf of a person, based on his/her/their known values, who is believed to be incapacitated, indigent, and in need of someone to assist with making decisions. A guardian manages decisions such as healthcare, social, habilitation, and residential matters. A conservator manages financial affairs. A guardian can be, but is not required to be, a representative payee without the need of a conservator order.
About Public Guardianship in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Working with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), we are committed to creating livable communities for those who want to age-in-place or transition from facilities to community settings with long-term supports and services.
The Arc of Northern Virginia launched our public guardianship/conservator program (PGP) in 1995. We serve residents of the following jurisdictions: Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William. We are one of 12 organizations that contract with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to provide this invaluable service.
The PGP, per Virginia Code §64.2-2010, serves individuals found incapacitated by a Virginia circuit court who do not have sufficient resources to fully compensate a private guardian and pay court costs and fees associated with the appointment proceedings and there is no other proper or suitable person willing and able to serve in such a capacity.
Our PGP utilizes a person-centered philosophy in our approach to guardianship/conservatorship. We make decisions with an individual, not for them, based on their values. In doing so, we assist individuals in living the life that they choose with the supports they need.
Public Guardianship is the court ordered appointment of a public agency to make decisions on the behalf of a person diagnosed with a developmental disability who is believed to be incapacitated, indigent, and in need of someone to make decisions for them. Enrollment in any public guardianship program begins with a referral. However, space in such programs is extremely limited due to funding constraints and a passion to provide the highest quality of service.
We visit each client at least monthly, in various settings, to ensure all needs are met and individuals feel satisfied.
We attending medical/psychiatric appointments with our clients, to assist in decision-making.
We ensure that a guardian is available to respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days per year.
We complete all required documentation (care plans, annual reports, values histories, assessments, and case notes) in a timely manner.
We provide a constant assessment to determine if individuals still require a guardian/conservator, if a limited guardianship/conservatorship can be put in place, or if any rights can and should be restored.
For more information on The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Public Guardianship Program, please contact
Cheryl Johnson, Director of Services,
at 703-208-1119 ext. 131
or email CJohnson@TheArcofNoVA.org.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Arc of Northern Virginia relies on private support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations to fund our efforts. Your generous donations help make it possible for us to provide programs, services, and advocacy so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live “A Life Like Yours.”
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