Referral Program
We understand that guardianship referrals often arise during complex and time-sensitive situations. This page explains how to make a referral and outlines what happens next, including our intake review and court involvement process.
Referrals to Indiana Guardianship Services may be made by:
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Courts and judicial officers
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Hospitals and healthcare providers
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Adult Protective Services
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Attorneys
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Case managers and social workers
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Concerned family members and friends
Referrals are reviewed to determine appropriateness, eligibility, and available capacity.
A referral may be appropriate when:
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An adult has been determined or appears to be incapacitated
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There is no appropriate or willing decision-maker available
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Less restrictive alternatives have been considered or attempted
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Court involvement is necessary or anticipated
Indiana Guardianship Services serves as guardian of last resort and accepts referrals only when guardianship is appropriate and within our service area. Referrals should reflect an existing need for court-appointed decision-making; we do not accept appointments solely as a precaution or in anticipation of possible future decline.
To be considered for guardianship services, an individual must generally:
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Have been adjudicated as incapacitated by the court
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Be subject to the jurisdiction of a participating court (currently LaPorte or Porter County)
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Have no other viable or appropriate individual available to serve as guardian
Guardianship is considered only when less restrictive alternatives are not sufficient and no suitable decision-maker is available. Full statutory requirements are outlined in Indiana Code § 29-3-1-7.5.
To review a referral, we will request:
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Demographic information
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Next of kin contact information
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Current living arrangement
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Medical and cognitive status
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Financial information (for eligibility determination)
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Legal and estate planning
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End of life wishes
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Reason guardianship is being requested
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Referrer information and if a subpoena is required (referrer must provide testimony)
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Physician's Report completed by a M.D.
Incomplete referrals may delay review.
Referrals to Indiana Guardianship Services are submitted online only through our secure referral form. You may upload the required Physician’s Report during submission, or download the form from the referral page and upload it once completed. Both the LaPorte County and Porter County Reports may be found below: