Volunteer Guardian Program-Crime Victim Services

Crime Victim Services’ (CVS) Volunteer Guardian Program is seeking qualified and committed volunteers to serve as Guardian of the Person to vulnerable adults aged 18 and older in Allen County.

Volunteer Guardians make important life decisions related to healthcare, housing and other necessities of daily living. Volunteer guardians are tasked with ensuring the safety and dignity of a vulnerable person and advocating for their quality of life.

Volunteers with the CVS Volunteer Guardian program will not need to “go it alone.” CVS staff support guardians with decision making guidance for support services arrangements, housing, medical care, and recreation. Mileage is paid. Additionally, staff assist guardians with training reminders, annual reports and plans required by Allen County Probate Court.

CVS Volunteer Guardian Program was created in late 2017 in collaboration with Allen County Probate Court to meet the growing need for guardians of adults who are unable to make important life decisions for themselves. This inability may be the result of a significant developmental disability, age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, severe mental illness, brain injury or severe drug dependency. In 2014, Ohio probate courts reported over 47,000 active guardianships of adults. Currently there are 506 active guardianship cases in Allen County. Guardianships include guardian of the person, guardian of the estate, guardian of both person & estate, limited guardianships and emergency guardianships. Ohio county courts report that guardianships have increased in recent years. This increased need is due in part to a growing population of elders with a subsequent increase of those with dementia and cognitive impairment, an increase in mental health diagnosis, or severe drug dependence related to the opioid epidemic.