AGAP is an innovative volunteer limited guardian initiative designed to address the critical health care, social service and legal representation needs of the growing population of ill and at-risk incapacitated adults. It is based on the Volunteer Advocate for Seniors Program developed at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Hammond , which has been identified as a best practice by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepherd.

Initial funding for the program is being provided by the Greater Lafayette Community Foundation, St. Elizabeth Regional Health, and the Alcoa Foundation.

AGAP is the first organized effort addressing the guardianship needs of at-risk adults in Tippecanoe and the surrounding counties. Similar to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for abused and neglected children, AGAP utilizes trained volunteers to serve as Limited Guardians. Program volunteers are sworn in by Judge Don Daniel through Tippecanoe Circuit Court upon completing their training. Richard Richardson, AGAP Program Coordinator states “This program has been needed for such a long time. The ‘unbefriended' have no one else to turn to. They are alone. We help safeguard their healthcare, social service, and legal needs. AGAP, with the help of dedicated volunteers, can fill the gap and provide caring support to those who need it most.”

AGAP Volunteers undergo criminal history and social service background checks, personal interviews, provide references and complete an initial forty-hour training program. Their role is to investigate and assess the incapacitated person's life situation (including locating relatives, when possible); facilitate health care, social service and legal representation decision-making; plan for appropriate post-release placement and services; and provide the Court with recommendations for long-term planning for the individual.

AGAP Volunteers must:

• Be at least 21 years old;
• Have no criminal history, social services history of violence, or reckless driving record;
• Have experience working, caring for, or volunteering with older or disabled adults;
• Be capable of exercising sound judgment and follow guidelines and instructions;
• Commit to at least 1 year of service, and
• Successfully complete the application, screening process, and 40 hour training program

Volunteer training classes will begin on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 5:30 pm. For more information or referral, contact Richard Richardson, Program Coordinator, at 765-423-5361 or Richard@fsilafayette.org

AGAP Brochure

Volunteer Qualifications
Indiana Code 29-3-8.5
Link to Volunteer Application (PDF) Volunteer Training Calendar (PDF)