Program Description Staff members of GSI recruit volunteers and provide them with ten and one-half hours of training on client characteristics, program guidelines, legal requirements, and resources available to them as guardian. Volunteers are screened by checking references and performing criminal background checks. Clients who are legally incapacitated are brought to the attention of Tarrant County Probate Courts. The reason for the incapacity may be mental retardation, head injury, Alzheimer's, or other diseases. GSI staff pair the client with a caring, trained volunteer who serves as guardian, managing all personal and business affairs.
Volunteers generally serve one client at a time.
They have all the authority and responsibility a family member or friend would have if appointed as guardian. Volunteers also assist with such office work as mailings, filings and other clerical duties. Approximately 150 volunteers serve over 8,000 hours annually. Only the time volunteers spend serving as guardian is counted in figuring in-kind. Training and supervision of the volunteer is a substantial part of the service this agency provides.