Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program (AGAP)
Volunteer Qualifications and Recruitment
The Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program recruits individuals to serve as volunteer limited guardians from Tippecanoe County . Special attention is given to recruiting a diverse mix of volunteers that are representative and reflective of the racial, cultural, gender, and age diversity of the community. AGAP does not discriminate in hiring employees or in the recruiting of volunteers.
The Program has developed specific criteria and an application process to recruit and screen prospective volunteers. Persons wishing to volunteer must meet the following criteria and clearances:
- 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.
The AGAP application and screening process includes the prospective volunteer providing a written statement of philosophy regarding seniors and an autobiography. The prospective volunteer must also provide the names of three personal references, submit to a criminal and social service history and driving records check, and participate in a personal interview with the Program Staff.
After completing the application and screening process, all prospective volunteers must successfully complete a minimum of forty hours of comprehensive initial training. Professionals in the health, mental health, legal, and social services fields provide instruction in the training program. Training for AGAP volunteers include the following important subjects:
- Family Services, Inc., and AGAP Program Missions and History
- Program and volunteer roles and responsibilities
- Volunteer ethics and liability
- Communication skills, ie, interpersonal communication, listening skills, interviewing, negotiation, communicating with persons with dementia
- Decision making
- The aging process
- Elder health care
- Elder mental health care
- Mental Illness
- Indiana Probate and Guardianship laws
- The Tippecanoe Circuit Court
- Finance and insurance resources, including Medicaid and Medicare
- Residential resources
- Social Service resources
- Legal resources
- Case planning and management
- Report writing
- Program policies and procedures
The Program also requires that AGAP volunteers complete a minimum of twelve hours of continuing education annually. Additional hours of specialized training may be required for volunteers whose cases require special needs and/or services.
Volunteer Qualifications
Indiana Code 29-3-8.5
Link to Volunteer Application (PDF)
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