Overview
Court Visitors serve as the court’s eyes and ears, by visiting persons under Guardianship to confirm they are receiving appropriate care, to ensure that Guardian is current with all reports to the Court, and to assist the Guardian and/or Ward with linkage to community resources. It is a guardianship monitoring program.
The Court Visitor visits the Ward’s residence (home, nursing home, and/or Guardian’s home), observes living conditions and talks with the Ward about his or her needs. The Court Visitor will also speak to the Guardian, other caregivers such as the developmental disability and/or mental health team members, or the case manager.
The Court Visitor uses a standardized reporting form to record observations and make recommendations for court action.
The program is supervised by the Court Visitor Program Director, Teresa K. Tackett, L.S.W.; phone (740) 833-2596.
Program Goals
- To ensure that every person under Guardianship receives suitable protection, care and maintenance.
- To ensure that all of the Ward’s needs are being meet.
- To ensure that the Ward’s preferences and wishes are considered when making decisions.
- To ensure that Ward is in an appropriate placement.
Training and Support
- Initial training covers the Guardianship process, the Wards’ rights, communicating with Wards, what to look for on visits, and the identification of community resources.
- Follow-up training & quarterly meetings are provided for the Court Visitors.
- Court staff are available to assist Court Visitors in any step of the process.