Guardianship

Here are factors to discuss when tailoring a course of action:

• Whether the child is capable of communicating his or her needs and wants regarding his or her care;

• Degree to which the child can adequately feed, clothe and otherwise take care of his or her basic needs;

• Whether the child is employed outside of the home;

• Whether the child will require outside care (i.e., an assisted-living facility);

• Degree to which the child can understand the effects and consequences of his or her actions; and

• Income and finances of the child and the child’s family.

This discussion should begin at the time the child is 16 years old when the transfer of rights conversation begins with the IEP team. Make sure to have this conversation with your school team as well as other trusted adults or members of the child's team.

The state does allow for parents to take guardianship over adults (when a student turns 18 years of age) to continue making medical, educational, and financial decisions for individuals. This happens through the probate court. There are also different types of guardianship that can be filled and fulfilled. An individual can assume the rights as the guardian over medical, educational, and financial.

https://www.probatect.org/forms/guardianship

Hamilton County Probate Court:

Address: William Howard Taft Center

230 East Ninth Street, 9th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513-946-3580

Fax: 513-946-3581

Hours: Monday- Friday 8 AM- 4 PM

Email: adultguardianedu@sc.ohio.gov

Here are some helpful links:

GENERAL INFORMATION: https://www.probatect.org/docs/default-source/informational-pamphlets/guardianship-prr.pdf?sfvrsn=af4a79f1_10

Please notify school personnel, including your child's IEP team of the decision to obtain guardianship. School personnel and records need to reflect current custody.

https://disabilityrightsohio.org/guardianship-what-are-some-alternatives-to-guardianship