Guardian Review Program

Description

In Maricopa County the Probate Court is charged with the responsibility of appointing guardians and conservators for vulnerable adults who, due to serious physical or mental disabilities, require help making decisions about their daily lives and/or finances. To ensure that wards are protected the Probate Court reviews guardianship and conservatorship appointments on a regular basis. This important monitoring function allows the court to have first-hand knowledge about the care each ward is receiving and ensure they remain safeguarded.

The Guardianship Review Program (GRP) was established to assist the Probate Court with this protection. GRP Volunteers (Court Visitors) are objective observers who serve as the "eyes and ears" of the court. They visit guardianship wards to see whether they appear to be receiving appropriate care, and file reports with the court about their findings.

Objectives of the program include reducing the potential for the abuse of vulnerable adults, educating fiduciaries about their responsibilities as guardians and conservators, and increasing the community's awareness of the guardianship system and the problems faced by vulnerable adults.

All GRP Volunteers receive initial training, continuing education, and ongoing support from the GRP program staff and the court. Mileage reimbursement is available. All applicants must complete an application packet, pass a background check, and participate in office and field training.