LIFEguardianship

Lifetime Commitment to Alternatives to Guardianship, Restoration of Rights, and Guardianship

LIFEguardianship enables The Arc of NC to become guardian for individuals, when there is no family member or other individual able or willing to do so. However, guardianship is restrictive and as such should never be taken lightly. Alternatives to guardianship should be pursued before the initiation of guardianship of the person, of the estate, or both. Alternatives include: Power of Attorney; Durable Power of Attorney; Health Care Power of Attorney; Declaration Regarding Natural Death (DNR or Living Will); Advance Instruction for Mental Health (AIMHT); Social, Habilitation, Case Management and Advocacy Supports; Circle of Friends; Representative Payee for Social Security and other pensions/benefits; and/or Trust.

The mission of LIFEguardianship is to advocate and ensure that person-centered supports and services are provided in the least restrictive/intrusive manner possible; that the personal preferences and desires of the individual/ward are important and given serious or total consideration; that every opportunity is made available to the individual/ward to exercise all rights within his or her judgment and comprehension, allowing for the possibility of error to the same degree allowed persons who are capacitated. Thus, even with a guardian, an individual should participate as fully as possible in all decisions that affect him/her. In addition, guardianship should be reviewed periodically, at least annually, and a decision made as to whether an individual's/ward's rights need to be partially or fully restored.

LIFEguardianship Supports and Services is available in every county in North Carolina. It is provided only when other alternatives have been pursued and are found not to be appropriate. Individuals may have a developmental disability, chronic mental illness, or be elderly or substance abusers.

For More Information contact one of the following:

• Jean Farmer Butterfield, Director
  jfarmerbutterfield@arcnc.org
  1-800-662-8706 or 919-782-4632
• Barbara Cooper-Robinson, Assistant Director/Regional Guardianship Specialist
  bcooperrobinson@arcnc.org
  910-525-4600

The NC Guardianship Association
The North Carolina Guardianship Association, a nonprofit membership organization, provides leadership, advocacy, education, training and public awareness to achieve the highest levels of excellence in guardianship practices. Please visit our websitehttp://www.nc-guardian.org for more information on membership, education and training opportunities, resources and the registered guardianship program.

Notice of Privacy Rights for Individuals Supported by The Arc of NC