Volunteer Guardian Services Program Update

March 2026

After thoughtful and thorough consideration of how best to serve our community, partner agencies, volunteers, and clients, Crime Victim Services (CVS) has made the decision to transition its Volunteer Guardian program to the Allen County Guardian Services Board (GSB).  

CVS has worked collaboratively with GSB since its beginning. Both recognizing the value of a centralized process for guardianship referrals, CVS has supported GSB’s long-term goal of developing a volunteer program.  

Due to grant funding requirements, CVS’ program could only approve cases referred by the Probate Court in which the protected person had experienced a victimization. This limited the number of guardianship clients CVS could serve. Additionally, with the establishment of GSB, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the perceived duplication of guardianship services. 

Thus, CVS has determined that it is in the best interest of the community and our organization to provide all guardianship services through one entity. We are extremely mindful of the need for continuity of services for the protected persons, as well as the respect and care for our dedicated volunteers as this transition unfolds.  

“The decision to move this program onward is very bittersweet. Without our volunteers, the program could not exist or provide invaluable services and relationships for protected persons. The Allen County Probate Court has continued to express their deepest gratitude for the service of the volunteers and their positive

regards for the immense care, expertise and commitment our guardians have provided,” said Katie Campbell, director of Elder Victim Advocacy and Volunteer Guardian Programs at CVS.  

“We are very excited at the prospect of incorporating seasoned volunteer professionals into our own growing Volunteer Program,” said Elizabeth Schaefer, Executive Director of ACGSB.  “The CVS volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we look forward to working alongside of them in order to advocate for the health and welfare of our most vulnerable Allen County residents.” 

CVS’ Volunteer Guardian Program (VGP) began in 2017 after the Allen County Probate Court identified a lack of quality guardians to support vulnerable adults in the community. VGP effectively recruited, trained, and supported volunteers as they served in their guardian roles, providing ongoing advocacy and building meaningful relationships with the individuals they protected. 

In 2019, Ohio Guardianship Law expanded to allow the formation of county boards to be appointed as guardians. GSB was founded in 2021 and has been actively appointed to cases at a steady rate since 2022, effectively serving individuals with more severe and complex needs that require intensive case management services. 

CVS remains committed to providing compassionate, professional advocacy in our community in the most efficient and effective ways possible. We will continue to work with GSB throughout 2026 to effectively transition our program into their structure, while ensuring safety and dignity for the protected persons involved.   

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