Public Guardian Project

In July 2005, the Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) joined with Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, and the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) to form a coalition to form a local public guardian program. The program, funded by the Virginia Department for the Aging, aims to respond to critical unmet needs of twenty mentally retarded persons. These individuals are deemed incapacitated and indigent by the courts—they have neither family or friends who are willing to act as guardians.

Each of the coalition partners has designated roles. The local Public Guardian program coordinator functions as guardian on behalf of Senior Connections. She coordinates all services necessary to provide for the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial well-being of incapacitated clients. RBHA identified twenty persons needing guardianship; furthermore, they provide case management for each client and 24-hour emergency services. Second Presbyterian Church will recruit fifteen volunteers to augment the services of staff in providing ongoing support for human services. In collaboration with the local Public Guardian coordinator and case managers, volunteers bring the caring community to the individuals by transporting persons to appointments, assisting with shopping and errands, assisting with personal care needs and providing friendly visits.