Corporate Guardianship
Making our Community Safe for Everyone.
ARC stands for Advocacy, Resources and Commitment. Our Corporate Guardianship program provides all three to individuals with disabilities who cannot make informed decisions on their own.
What is guardianship? Guardianship involves making critical decisions for a person who has been found to be fully or partially incapable of making their own decisions. When a person turns 18 years old, he or she is an adult and is presumed to be able to exercise his or her legal rights. Some individuals, however, are unable to make informed decisions about their lives. This necessitates a legal process in which a person or corporation is appointed as a guardian for the purpose of making decisions on their behalf.
Seeking the protection of a guardianship. Guardianship should be evaluated on an individual basis. Not every individual with a disability needs a guardian. For those that do meet the criteria and are deemed incompetent under Wisconsin State Statute Chapter 54, a guardian is necessary for decision-making, monitoring and advocacy.
Decades of experience. In July of 1977, ARC of Greater Milwaukee was licensed by the state of Wisconsin to serve as Corporate Guardian of the Person for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Who benefits from corporate Guardianships? When an individual needs guardianship services, but does not have a parent, family member or volunteer that can serve in this capacity, ARC can be appointed as corporate guardian by the court.
As corporate guardians we:
- Assure that personal, civil and human rights of each individual are being served and protected.
- Encourage individuals to:
- Participate to the maximum extent of their abilities in all decisions.
- Act on their own behalf in all matters in which they are able to do so.
- Develop or regain their capacity to meet the essential requirements for their physical health or safety.
All legal requirements for guardianship are met by qualified ARC staff members. Specific program activities include:
- Making decisions regarding health care, housing, nutrition, work, day programming and social needs.
- Ensuring that all benefits due the ward are applied for and provided.
- Responding to crisis situations, providing consultations and making collateral contacts.
- Attending meetings and working with service providers to develop an individual care plan that meets the specific needs of each ward.
How is a guardianship funded? Guardianships services can be funded through county-funded services, a Community Trust or on a privatepay basis. For those individuals who do not qualify for
government assistance, ARC offers fee–for–service programming. We carefully assess the needs of each individual to determine which services are needed and which are not. This tailored and considered approach insures that individuals only access and pay for services that are needed. It’s a thoughtful approach that makes wise use of funds available from the individual, their family members or a Trust.
To learn more about guardianships, call us for:
- Guardianship publications
- Professional listing of local attorneys that provide guardianship services
- Local and statewide guardianship resources
- Local training programs on guardianship
A full spectrum of support. In addition to Corporate Guardianship, ARC of Greater Milwaukee also offers a lifetime of support to individuals and their families through:
- Case Management
- Advocacy
- Information and Assistance
- Trust Program
- Community Training Services