Who Can Be A Guardian?
Under the laws of Ohio, to be appointed by the court as a guardian, you must be:

• a resident of Ohio
• at least 18 years of age
• a law abiding citizen

What Does A Guardian Do?
The Volunteer Guardianship Program is strictly involved in guardianship of the person and will not be responsible for the ward’s finances. Some of the responsibilities of a guardian may include:

• Ensure that the basic needs of the ward are being met;
• Seek services that will help the ward reach or maintain his or her highest potential;
• Authorize medical care, counseling or other treatment as needed;
• Execute releases of information on the ward’s behalf; and
• Make end of life decisions for the benefit of the ward.

How Can I Become A Volunteer Guardian?
To apply to become a volunteer guardian in Lucas County, a candidate needs to:

• Complete inquiry form [PDF] by mail.
  
  
• Return the completed inquiry form to Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio.
  
  
• The VGP Director will contact potential volunteer candidates to complete face to face interview.

If candidate is still interested and the meets criteria for becoming a guardian, then the candidate is asked to:

• Complete volunteer application, fingerprinting and background check.
  
  
• Submit professional and personal references to the VGP Director.

If the candidate still meets criteria after background check, fingerprinting and references are checked:

• The volunteer is scheduled to attend initial training, which is five hours long. The training consists of two, two and half hour long sessions for two consecutive weeks.
  
  
• Once initial training is complete, volunteer’s name is put on list of available volunteers.

The volunteer is expected:

• To attend two ongoing, quarterly trainings per year;
  
  
• See their ward two times a month (face to face); and
  
  
• Complete and submit to the VGP Director monthly time sheets as well as quarterly reports to VGP and yearly reports to the court.

Each ward’s situation and degree of need will vary with the individual.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer guardian, contact the Volunteer Guardianship Program Director, Christine Miller, at (419) 243-9178 or download a Volunteer Inquiry Form [PDF].

Please return the completed form to:

Christine Miller LSW

Volunteer Guardianship Director

Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio

2149 Collingwood Blvd.

Toledo, Ohio 43620