Guardianship is a legal relationship in which someone (the guardian) has legal authority to be the substitute decision maker for an adult who cannot manage his or her own affairs or cannot make important legal and medical decisions.

Guardians are often family members, but directors or assistant directors of local human services agencies may serve as guardians when no one else is available or willing. They provide services including: 

•          -Assessing the needs of an individual for a guardian
•          -Trying to find an appropriate person to serve as guardian
•         - Petitioning the court or helping the family petition the court to appoint a guardian
•          -Serving as guardian of last resort; ongoing casework for the individual

           -Making required reports to the court