Kansas Guardianship Program
The Kansas Guardianship program is a volunteer-based model that provides guardianship or conservatorship services for vulnerable adults.
Welcome to Kansas Guardianship Program
The KGP celebrated 40 years of volunteer service in 2019.
This unique model involves a collaborative working relationship with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).
The KGP serves people who are identified by Adult Protective Services and State hospital social workers. State hospital social workers and Adult Protective Services workers may make formal requests to the KGP for an approved volunteer to be nominated to the court for appointment as guardian or conservator.
In 2020, in observing National Volunteer Month, we celebrated our organization’s most valuable asset. More than 775 volunteers throughout the State of Kansas serving 1,285 individuals. Through their volunteerism, Kansans play an integral role in the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable fellow community members.
The KGP would not be possible without the dedication of these citizen volunteers. KGP volunteers donate many hours advocating for the people they serve. These volunteers exemplify the dignity and respect all persons are accorded while reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life for all in their communities.
Why is the KGP needed?
Every year many adult Kansans experience diminished capacity and become unable to make informed decisions regarding their lives and finances.
For those who do not have willing and able family members to assist them and do not have the resources with which to pay for the services of a guardian or conservator, the court can appoint fellow citizens as a guardian or conservator.
The Kansas Guardianship Program recruits, screens, and trains interested persons to be court appointed guardians and conservators.
Find a KGP Recruiter
What is a Guardian or Conservator?
A guardian is empowered by the court to make decisions on behalf of another individual. Those decisions are to be reasoned and principled.
There is an inherent duty in the decision-making responsibility to represent the preferences, opinions and beliefs of the person as best determined from the individual or those persons most directly involved in the life of the person.
Responsibilities of a Guardian or Conservator
Guardianship for adults with disabilities is not something to be taken lightly. The responsibilities of a guardian or conservator are to:
- Advocate for a higher quality of life for another, while monitoring and protecting individual rights.
- Advocate for and exercise authority as necessitated by the person’s limitations.
- Access services and supports including physical, psychological, and emotional care and treatment.
- Monitor quality of supports and services.
- Provide necessary paperwork such as court reports and accountings, applications for supports, services and benefits, etc.
- Provide necessary consents.
- Visit the person regularly.
- Manage the finances and estate on behalf of person (if conservator).
Become a Guardian
It is a significant matter to ask someone to accept the legal responsibility for the well-being of another person—someone who is often previously not known to the volunteer and not a family member. KGP seeks this considerable personal commitment from volunteers who agree to serve as guardians or conservators.
The process of a guardian or conservator becoming an effective advocate takes time and commitment.
The KGP seeks volunteers with the following characteristics:
- Compassion
- Wisdom
- Self-initiative
- Desire to serve as a personal advocate
- Interest in learning new information
- Ability to make wise and appropriate decisions regarding another person
What volunteering with KGP can mean for you:
- An opportunity to blend personal interests & abilities with those you serve
- Experience the satisfaction of helping another person
- Provide a valuable service to someone in your community
- Walk with another person on the road of their life
Kansas Guardianship Program Annual Report
The annual report provides an overview of the program, how it functions and statistical information on persons served through the program.
Guide to Kansas Laws on Guardianship and Conservatorship
The guide provides an overview of the guardianship and conservatorship statute in Kansas