Guardianship Program
HSNT Guardianship Services
Guardianship Staff:
Vickie McMurry, LMSW, Program Director
Kamyon Conner, Case Manager
Stephanie Partida, Case Manager
Guardianship Mission: "Advocating for the rights of individuals who are unable to speak for themselves."
What is Guardianship? A guardianship is a legal process where the court gives decision making authority of one person to another person. The Court gives this authority because the person lacks the ability to make decisions about needed care and services. People who need guardians are typically people with developmental disabilities, conditions related to aging or other debilitating conditions. The process is designed to protect an individual who cannot make decisions for him/herself from abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Our Agency: The Health Services of North Texas Guardianship Program was implemented in order to meet a need in Denton County. The program is staffed by a Program Director and two casemanagers. All staff members are social workers, Certified Guardians, and members of both the National and Texas Guardianship Association. The program is supported and monitored by an Advisory Board. Health Services of North Texas Board of Directors also oversee the operations of the Guardianship Program.
The Guardianship Program has grown significantly since the doors opened in March 2007. The program offers training for perspective guardians, volunteers and community professionals.
What are the responsibilities of the Guardian? The HSNT Guardianship Program has a responsibility to each client to make individual decisions that reflect who the individual is and what they would have decided for him/herself, if they were able to. Decisions regarding medical treatment, living environment or quality of life are determined only after taking into consideration input of the client and/or any close family members or friends. A client's ethnicity, personal values and religious preferences are also considered when making decisions in a person's best interest.
The Guardianship Program not only maintains on-going face-to-face contact with each individual served and their service providers but we facilitate contact for them with those people who have been a part of their lives and continue to be important to them.
How do I contact the Guardianship office? You can contact the Guardianship office at:
Phone - (940) 381-1501
Fax - (940) 566-8059
Address - 4210 Mesa Drive, Denton, TX 76207
