The Office of Public Guardian serves as the guardian and/or conservator of last resort. The OPG is statutorily required to seek out successor guardians to create additional caseload capacity. Sometimes this can be done through the person’s natural supports, but for a variety of reasons, this is not always possible. When that is the case, the OPG seeks out qualified volunteers to build relationships with individuals with the goal of becoming the successor guardian. Successor guardians and/or conservators play a vital role in improving the lives of vulnerable adults in our state who have few supportive relationships in their lives.
Role of a Volunteer Successor Guardian and/or Conservator
A successor guardian and/or conservator has duties and responsibilities to the ward/protected person and the court as defined by the court order. Duties may include some or all of the following:
- Selecting the individual’s place of residence
- Arranging for medical care
- Protecting personal effects
- Giving necessary consents, approvals, or releases
- Arranging for education, & services
- Applying for private or governmental benefits
- Ensuring that anyone required to help support the Ward does so
- Entering into contractual agreements
- Receiving money and applying these funds to housing, medical care, personal effects, education, and other services; and
- Any other area which the court may direct. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2628.
Becoming a successor guardian and/or conservator is ultimately the court’s decision. The Office of Public Guardian will provide information and support to successor guardians and/or conservators in the same manner that it is provided to other private guardians and conservators. Successor guardianship and/or conservatorship is a permanent responsibility which can only be concluded by additional court action. Therefore, it is important for potential successor guardians and/or conservators to be committed and dedicated to serving the individual subject to guardianship for the duration of their need.
What is the typical time commitment?
Successor guardians enter into a close and committed working relationship with their ward and/or protected person. The guardian works to foster the personal growth and independence of the individual, and if the ward is in a stable and healthy living situation, guardianship is largely a matter of helping to maintain that health and stability. However, when emergencies or complications arise, the guardian is responsible for making themselves available to oversee and consent to the resolution. The time commitment may increase during periods of emergent need.
Application Process
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Volunteer Successor Guardian and/or Conservator, visit our Education & Outreach site HERE to submit an interest form.