AASC’s Public Guardianship Program is Underway

The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) has funded Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (AASC) to provide public guardianship services to individuals in Buchanan and Tazewell counties.

Public guardianship services are designed for individuals who are incapacitated, indigent, and have no suitable person to serve as their guardian. Guardianship ensures that their essential requirements for physical and emotional health are met, and that their financial resources are managed.

Referrals typically come through the Virginia Department of Social Services or other community-based organizations, such as Cumberland Mountain Community Service Board. Guardianship requests must go through Virginia Circuit Court. If the individual is found to meet the criteria for guardianship services, the local public guardianship program is suggested to the Circuit Court as a suitable guardian for the person. The Circuit Court makes the appointment and the program takes over as guardian for the incapacitated person.

At this time, space in the program is limited to 21 individuals. For more information, please contact Mary Colley at 276-964-7114.

AASC is one of Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging designated by the Virginia Department for the Aging to carry out the department’s mission to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with communities at the local level. AASC offers information and services for older adults residing in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. Visit the organization’s website at www.aasc.org or call toll-free at 1-800-656-2272.