GAP Guardians    
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Dedicated and Devoted    

Those who choose to participate in the CASS Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) are generally expected to remain in place for the lifetime of the Ward. Guardians come from all walks of life, receive extensive training and support for our licensed social services staff, and perform a valuable service to our community as well as the senior involved. 

What do GAP Guardians Do?

  • Visit Ward twice a month to check on health and well-being
  • Advocate for Ward's needs
  • Make medical decisions
  • Participate in care planning
  • Attend quarterly educational training
  • Document contacts with Ward in quarterly reports
  • Complete biennial reports to the court
Guardians must be at least 21 years old. Legal fees for appointing a Guardian come from the Indigent Guardian Fund of the Probate Court. 

To Become a GAP Guardian: 

  • Contact Laurie Luken, GAP Program Manager at (513) 721-4330 or e-mail lluken@cassdelivers.org. She will answer any questions and guide you through the process. 
  • Attend a 2-hour orientation program 
  • Complete the application 
  • Interview with GAP staff to begin the matching process with a Ward (if approved, applicants will meet Ward before deciding whether to serve)
  • Sign application document with CASS attorney 
  • Attend Probate Court hearing to be appointed Guardian
GAP staff is available for as-needed consult once guardianship begins.

To Refer a Senior for GAP Guardianship:

  • Contact Laurie Luken, GAP Program Manager at (513) 721-4330 or e-mail lluken@cassdelivers.org to request a referral form.
  • GAP social workers will conduct an assessment and begin a search for a Guardian, which often takes 2-3 months.  
  • Once a Guardian is identified, the court hearing usually takes place within 3-4 weeks.