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Exercises guardianship on behalf of the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) to protect the well-being, rights, and welfare of people who are determined by the court to be in need of supervision, protection, or assistance, and lack the active assistance of a family member or private guardian. The program also provides Representative Payee Services to persons receiving and managing Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), whether they are under public guardianship, or as an effective alternative to guardianship. Representative Payee Services will arrange for public benefit checks (usually Social Security or SSI) to be sent to a public agency, nonprofit organization, bank, relative or other individual who has been appointed under federal law to act as a surrogate for recipients in situations where they have a cognitive impairment and are unable to manage their own funds.

Investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults who are vulnerable due to old age, disabilities, or who have other barriers to performing activities of daily living. If the situation is life-threatening, or requires immediate intervention, call 9-1-1. Also conducts community education programs to raise the public awareness of abuse issues, stimulate prevention efforts, and educate personal care staff members about their mandatory reporting responsibilities.

Handles adoptions, regular guardianships, emancipation of minors, death and marriage records, the establishment of decedents' wills, the settlement of decedents' estates, and decisions relating to the administration of the estates of minors and individuals adjudged to be incompetent to manage their own affairs. Also handles trusts and name changes. Offers to file wills for safekeeping.

Provides an online Minor Guardianship informational page that explains Vermont's minor guardianship procedures. In probate court families are able to enter into voluntary arrangements for the care of minor children without state intervention.

Responds to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect, and helps parents get the services and supports they need. Vermont Department for Children and Families Family Services Division (DCF/FSD) is also responsible for placing children in temporary out-of-home care when necessary to keep them safe, working with parents and relatives toward children's safe return home, and finding permanent homes for children who can't return home safely. The program provides a hotline number for reporting suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, or risk of harm. Social workers who answer the line take reports, conduct investigations, assess families, and make recommendations for services to alleviate family stress and improve parenting skills.