Public Guardianship

Virginia funds public guardianship services for 1,349 adults found by a circuit court to meet the following three criteria:

1. incapacitated and in need of a guardian’s assistance to meet their health, safety, or therapeutic needs
2. without anyone in their life who is suitable, willing, and able to serve as guardian  
3. without the means to pay for guardianship services

The Virginia Public Guardian & Conservator Program, or Public Guardian Program, oversees the services provided by local public guardian programs throughout the Commonwealth.  

How the Program Works

Trained staff of local public guardian programs meet in person with each client at least once a month. Based on the person’s needs, staff can:

• arrange medical care and housing
• monitor benefits like Social Security
• advocate on the client’s behalf

Referrals

Before a court can appoint a public guardian, the incapacitated adult must be offered a slot in the program. Referrals must be directed to the program serving the area where the individual lives. If there are no openings, referred individuals may be placed on a waitlist.

Complaints

If you have a non-urgent concern or complaint about the treatment of a Public Guardian Program client, please submit the information in writing. 

There is no official complaint process for individuals with a private guardian. If you are unable to resolve the issue by communicating directly with the guardian, you may request a hearing [pdf]  with the circuit court that appointed the guardian. 

Reporting Maltreatment

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult or an incapacitated adult of any age, regardless of the individual’s guardianship status:

Biennial Report

The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services submits a biennial report to the Virginia General Assembly on the status of the program.