When the child's handicap is relatively mild he will be competent to exercise his legal rights as an adult. Someone may be chosen on an informal basis to provide appropriate supervision without being given legal authority. In other cases guardianship would he advisable. Personal supervision is provided by the guardian of the person while a guardian of the property exercises control over all assets owned by the ward in his own name. One person may serve as guardian of both person and property.
Guardianship can be a relatively inflexible device.
The property can be utilized only for the benefit of the ward and not for any of the other children even in the case of dire necessity. Guardianship may require application to the court for approval of any expenditure, annual accountings and legal costs. A child who is competent may terminate the guardianship when he becomes of legal age. Guardianship property belongs to the ward and may count against eligibility for governmental assistance based on need. It may be taken by the state to reimburse the cost of institutional care.