Mission
To provide quality, comprehensive, protective guardianship services to adult citizens of Delaware who are severely mentally or physically disabled, are unable to manage their personal and financial affairs, are at risk for neglect, abuse and victimization and have no one else able or willing to serve as a guardian.
Goals of the Office of the Public Guardian
Advocate for the agency, its mission and its service to individuals through education and networking with the public and other professional communities. Maintain the certification as registered guardians of key staff in whom decision-making is vested.
Duties of the Public Guardian
— of the Person (included but not limited to)
— of the Person's Property
A guardian is a person or institution appointed by the Court of Chancery to manage the affairs of another, called the ward.
Types of Guardianship
There are two types of guardianship: of the person, and of the property. A guardian of the person is given the authority to make personal decisions for the ward, like where he will live, and under what conditions, etc. A guardian of the property manages the finances of the ward.
The Court may appoint either type of guardian or both person and property, or two separate guardians may be appointed. An institution, such as a bank, may be appointed guardian of the property.