THE ARC OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S HISTORY
We have operated the Guardian of Last Resort Program since 1995. It was one of two initial demostration projects throughout the state funded by the Virginia Department for the Aging. We have served as substitute decision-maker for over thirty individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and age-related impairments.
The Arc of Northern Virginia is a charitable, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
We receive a large part of our support through individual donations. Contributions are tax deductible; Federal ID Number: 054-0675506
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The Arc of Northern Virginia is a state-designated Guardian of Last Resort (GOLR) Project for Northern Virginia. The program currently serves approximately ten Northern Virginian’s who require a surrogate decision-maker, but have no other appropriate individuals in their lives or resources to serve in this capacity. We serve individuals under our contract with the Virginia Department for the Aging as well as private contracts.
Our Goals
Although Guardianship takes away all legal rights of an individual, it is important to preserve an individual’s right to autonomy and self-determination to the maximum extent possible. All of us make bad decisions at times and we have that right. Therefore, we encourage individuals to make their own decisions (good or bad) and, as long as they are not harmful decisions, we try our best to respect their wishes. In addition to ensuring individuals make decisions for themselves, we always work with towards a goal of no longer having the need for a guardian.
Our Role
The Arc of Northern Virginia assumes a variety of decision-making roles depending on an individual’s needs that may include: being a person’s guardian, conservator, representative payee, overseeing: medical power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and as an authorized representative for people in state facilities. Regardless of our role, clients are encouraged to participate in their own decision-making to the greatest extent possible.
Services Provided by The Arc of Northern Virginia
As the service provider a member of our staff visits each individual in their homes, offices or in the community at least once monthly to monitor their quality of life and the services they receive.
As Guardian, we collaborate with our client on their major life decisions. These include their: medical treatment, residential and housing opportunities, benefit applications, end of life plans, or petitions for involuntary hospitalization. We work collaboratively with the individual’s team of supports if there are others involved to ensure that the necessary and appropriate services are being provided.
As Conservator, our role includes: managing an individual’s income, budget and bill paying, balancing their checkbook, maintaining accurate financial records and reporting to appropriate authorities such as Social Security and County Commissioner of Accounts.
How do I get started?
Contact The Arc of Northern Virginia to complete a referral packet which will then be reviewed by our screening panel. The panel includes: the client advocate, the Director of Services, the executive director and the members from The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Board and our Services and Advocacy Committee. Our role is to determine whether guardianship is appropriate, or wheter a less restrictive alternative should be sought. These alternatives may include Representative Payee, Conservatorship only, Durable Power of Attorney, or Limited Guardianship. The screening team will determine whether we can effectively serve and whether they qualify under the program contract. If a person is accepted by the panel, the referring party will make arrangements with a lawyer to petition the courts and and psychiatrist/ psychologist for an evaluation. We are present at court proceedings. Upon assuming the role of guardian and/or conservator, we conduct an intake process. This involves gathering information from the referring agency, other service providers, and any family or friends within reach. Additionally, we create a personal support plan based on the client's individual needs that identifies client objectives and outcomes, the areas in which the cleint has skills to function without the assistance of the guardian, and the types of assistance or support we will provide as guardian and/or conservator.