Special Programs

Volunteer Guardian Program
(for adult incapacitated persons)

After many months of meetings and planning, with the assistance of local attorneys, community leaders, the volunteer lawyers program of the Mobile Bar, HandsOn South Alabama, RSVP and generous contributors, the Probate Court commenced a Volunteer Guardian program on May 10th, 2010. The program is now administered under the umbrella of services offered by the Via! Health, fitness and Enrichment Center in midtown Mobile.

This program is specifically designed to meet the need for guardians for adult incapacitated persons in our community who have no family or person willing to service in that capacity.

Guardians can only be appointed by the Probate Court in a judicial proceeding, and only where the evidence proves the need for such an appointment.

Some of the duties of a volunteer guardian are:

• Attends to the basic needs of an individual (food, shelter, etc.)
• Arranges for necessary care, medical treatment or other caring services.
• Arranges for necessary care, medical treatment or other caring services.
• Visits the individual on a regular basis.
• Is an advocate for the individual and his/her rights.
• Makes informed decisions for the individual as needed.
• Files necessary paperwork as required by the Probate Court.

Persons interested in becoming a volunteer guardian should contact Lynn Hudson, lhudson@viamobile.org, with the Via! Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center for additional information.