The Adult Public Guardianship program exists to safeguard the welfare of persons with disabilities. Public guardianship is a legal procedure in which the court determines if a person’s ability to make health and safety decisions for themselves is significantly impaired by disease, accident or disability. If so, the court will appoint a guardian to act as a substitute decision-maker. Public guardianship in Maryland is administered by local Departments of Social Services for those aged 18-64, and the Department of Aging for those aged 65+. Public guardianship is a situation of last resort when there are no family members, friends, and loved ones to serve in this capacity.

The board meets every six months and reviews cases and makes recommendation to the court to continue, modify, or terminate guardianship.

There are two types of adult guardianship:

• A guardian of the person is authorized by the court to make decisions for the disabled person about their health care, shelter, or other daily needs.
• A guardian of the property is a person or agency appointed by the court to manage the property of a disabled person. A public agency may not be the guardian of the property.

Contact:

Ms. Michelle Jacobs             
Professional Rep of Local Dept - Chairperson   

Carroll Co. Dept. of Social Services
1232 Tech Court
Westminster, Maryland  21157
410-386-3379 (Office)