Volunteer Guardian
When someone can't make decisions on their own, the Probate Court appoints a guardian. That's where you come in! As a Volunteer Guardian you will become an advocate—making decisions about your ward's medical care and personal life alongside their professional support team and Cuyahoga DD's general counsel.
About the role
This volunteer opportunity does not require any prior experience, education, or training—just a willingness to learn and to support someone with a developmental disability to live, learn, work, and play in our community.
Responsibilities
- Meet in-person with your ward at least six times per year
- Call, text, or email your ward and/or their care providers in the months you do not visit in-person
- Maintain up-to-date paperwork and records (with the assistance of the professional support team)
- Record your service hours online each month
- Complete a three-hour annual continuing education course provided free of charge through Cuyahoga County's probate court website
Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete the one-time, online, six-hour fundamentals course on The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System's website (free of charge)
- Complete the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities' volunteer orientation process (application, references, background, and criminal records check)
- Be appointed by the Probate Court
What Volunteer Guardians Do Not Do
- Administer medication
- Partake in behavior intervention
- Feed, lift, or toilet
- Operate specialized equipment
- Replace staff
Issue Areas: People with Disabilities, Advocacy & Human Rights
Populations Served: Families, Homeless, Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups, Low-income Communities, People with Disabilities, People with Health-based Concerns, LGBTQ+, Men, Women, Seniors