faqText1="";



	function getFaqText(faqTitle){



		switch(faqTitle){



			case "What is Guardianship?":

				faqText1 = "Adult Guardianship is a legal relationship, designed to protect incapacitated individuals and promote their well being. Oregon differentiates between guardianship for minors and for disabled adults in the law. The basic Oregon laws are found at ORS 125.\r\n\r\nFor those whose functional limitations prevent them from making informed decisions, having a Guardian can mean the difference between life and death.\r\n\r\nThe incapacity necessitating a guardianship may be caused by mental illness, developmental disability, age, accident or other causes. A developmental disability or mental illness is not, by itself sufficient reason to declare someone incapacitated. Each state has specific laws which govern guardianship proceedings and the guardian\'s activities, and the final decision about incapacity is made by a court.";

				break;

			case "What is a Guardian in Oregon?":

				faqText1 = "A guardian is a person, institution, or agency appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a protected person (the incapacitated person is known as a protected person because of the protection that is required under court oversight.) If authorized by the court, the guardian may make decisions about personal health, services, programs, medical care, residence, and release of confidential information. If authorized, a guardian in Oregon may also manage limited finances. The court may give a guardian general powers or limit those powers in any appropriate way. No matter how much authority a guardian is given, the law requires the guardian to give the protected person as much independence as his or her condition will allow, and to consider his/her wishes and choices in decision-making.";

				break;

			case "What is a Conservator in Oregon?":

				faqText1 = "A conservator is appointed by a circuit court judge to manage the client\'s finances and property, including, potentially, assets, income, savings, real property, personal property and investments. The conservator arranges payment for the protected person\'s shelter costs, medical needs, insurance requirements, taxes, professional fees, dependents\' support, education, etc., and also approves and denies claims. A conservator is required to post a bond with the court for an amount equal to the value of the protected person\'s assets plus one year\'s income to protect the client from financial loss or abuse.";

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			case "Who can serve as a Guardian or Conservator?":

				faqText1 = "ORS 125 outlines basic standards for guardians and conservators. Ultimately, the court makes the decision about who will be appointed. Guardians and Conservators may be family members, friends, qualified professionals, non-profit agencies or public programs. In many instances, it is appropriate to have caring family members serve. However, there are a number of situations where that is either not possible or not a good idea. Some people do not have family members. Others may have relatives, but they live in other parts of the country, which makes it difficult or impossible to make the day-to-day decisions required of a fiduciary. Sometimes it is difficult for family members to take the actions necessary to stabilize a complex situation, or doing so would place a family member in the position of making decisions that are unpopular with the protected person. Sometimes it helps preserve good family relationships to allow an independent professional to serve in the professional guardian or conservator role.";

				break;

			case "How do you determine a person may need a guardian?":

				faqText1 = "The need for guardianship focuses on the person\'s ability (or inability) to make informed decisions, and individual needs/situation. Medical care, finances, living arrangements, nutrition, personal hygiene, and coordination of professional services are all areas in which decisional capacity may be assessed. Guardianship is a serious step that should be considered only when less restrictive alternatives have proven to be ineffective. Assessments should be done by qualified professionals, and may vary depending on the needs of the individual and the level of protection being considered.";

				break;

			case "What is the process to get a guardian or conservator appointed?":

				faqText1 = "Generally, assessments of the client need occur as part of the planning process, and a decision is made about who will serve as the Guardian. A petition will be prepared and signed by someone alleging incapacity, and the need for guardianship or conservatorship; it is then filed with the county court. Generally this process requires an attorney chosen by the petitioner or the proposed guardian.\r\n\r\nNotice is given to all interested parties. This may include immediate family members of the proposed protected person, the proposed protected person\'s attorney, and their medical and mental health providers. There is a waiting period, during which anyone with objections to the proposed guardianship may file objections and request a hearing. Also during this time, an independent court visitor evaluates the need for the guardianship and the suitability of the proposed guardian, and makes a report back to the court.\r\n\r\nIf a hearing is requested, evidence will be presented as to the need for guardianship. The proposed protected person is usually represented by an attorney during a hearing process. In the hearing, the petitioner must clearly demonstrate to the court that the individual lacks the ability to make informed consent and has a decisional incapacity resulting in the need for a guardian. The final decision will be made by the court as to whether there will be a guardian, who it will be, and what the scope of the authority of the guardian will be.";

				break;

			case "Where can I get more information?":

				faqText1 = "Some possible sources of information and assistance include physicians, mental health professionals, case managers, your Area Agency on Aging, and attorneys. GCA Board members can also help direct you to a source of assistance in decision-making.";

				break;

				

			}

				document.forms[0].titleText.value = faqTitle;

				document.forms[0].faqText.value = faqText1;

	}