1. (a)

   1. (1) Guardianship will only be pursued when need for such is clearly and fully documented.

   2. (2) Factors in considering guardianship will include but are not limited to:

      1. (A) Informed consent;
      2. (B) Life-threatening situations; and
      3. (C) The potential for exploitation.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Guardianship will not be pursued as a general policy or criteria for entrance, for participation, or as a contingency to receiving any service offered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.
   2. (2) The only exception will be for persons residing in or selected for participation in division special treatment units which are designed for persons with behavioral disorders that constitute a danger to themselves or others.

   3. (3) Programming for these individuals will be behaviorally oriented and guardians are needed to serve as an advocate for these individuals and consent to their:

      1. (A) Placement;
      2. (B) Programs; and
      3. (C) Treatment.

3. (c)

   1. (1) No division staff may assume guardianship of an individual receiving any direct or indirect services from the agency unless a parent.
   2. (2) Any division employee who currently serves as a guardian and is not a parent guardian shall seek remedy through the Office of Chief Counsel.
4. (d) As part of the interdisciplinary team and annual staffing process, review of the individual's need for guardianship shall be conducted and information gained therefrom made a part of the IPP.

Codification Notes: "IPP" means individualized program plan.