Guardianship Services (GSI)

Guardianship Services, Inc. (gsi) provides representative payee Services as well as money management Services which teach persons with cognitive deficits to become more independent. These alternatives frequently delay of prevent the establishment of a Guardianship. They are also highly effective at preventing financial exploitation. These voluntary Services are less restrictive alternatives to Guardianship and include bill payer Services which help at-risk clients create and follow a budget, organize and pay bills as well as representative payee Services which provide a higher level of income management and security to at-risk adults receiving social security, supplemental security income or veterans affairs benefits. Included in the money management program is the financial exploitation prevention center, creating a unified network of partners committed to the prevention, protection, and prosecution of financial exploitation of aging and/or disabled adults in tarrant county. The fepc unites gsi with the tarrant county district attorney, adult protective Services, and more than 10 social service partners. Gsi coordinates Services of participating agencies, all dedicated to the prevention and prosecution of fraud or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults through public education, victim advocacy and more. The center and partner agencies have helped victims regain more than $3 million in restitution to date. Additional money management initiatives include e3: educate, engage, enroll, to stem the rising tide of senior poverty by expanding enrollment in medicare savings programs.

Gsi serves as guardian of last resort and is called upon by tarrant county probate courts when no trusted relative or friend is available. It provides compassionate care by Texas certified guardians to adults living with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities. In tarrant county, concerned individuals can refer wards directly to the court, rather than having to hire an attorney. Guardians are certified by the judicial branch certification commission and adhere to standards created by the board.