Municipal Court Bailiffs Program. In Kenosha, volunteers from RSVP serve as bailiffs in the municipal court, checking in parties and escorting them to the courtroom. The program is sponsored by the local chapter of RSVP and funded by the Corporation for National Service, the State Bureau on Aging, and private donations. Volunteer Guardian Program. These programs help ensure that wards are receiving proper care and that their dignity and autonomy are maintained, and they prioritize the well-being of the persons acting as guardians by offering support.
Some programs also audit wards accounts to ensure that finances are being handled properly.
Fortunately, the investigation turned up answers that alleviated the court s concerns, but the incident demonstrates how volunteers can help the court system monitor guardianships. Guardianship programs are operating in Eau Claire, La Crosse, Portage, Sauk, and Waukesha counties. The Portage County Department on Aging and RSVP run the Grandparent Visitor Program, which arranges for seniors to spend time with young people at the county juvenile detention center. Volunteers are selected for their ability to advise, teach, and impart life experiences without lecturing. The program uses volunteer mentors to help offenders complete their court-ordered obligations and learn to cope with life s challenges.