Board of Community Guardians
CLERKThe volunteer Board of Community Guardians was created to fulfill duties of a guardian and conservator for Canyon County adult residents that have been found legally incapable of managing their personal affairs and are unable to provide for their basic needs. Idaho Code Title 15, Chapter 5 & Idaho Code Title 66, Chapter 4.
Canyon County has a very high need for public guardian services. Due to limited resources, the program lacks the capacity to become involved in every case and cases are prioritized based on highest need. The Board has a passion for advocating for the most vulnerable residents and supporting the participants to have the most independence and self-direction of their own lives that is safely possible.
What is guardianship?
Guardianship is a legal process and was established to protect the interests of incapacitated people and govern the activities of a guardian. Guardians are court appointed to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated and vulnerable adults. A guardian manages decisions such as healthcare, social, habilitation and residential matters. A guardian remains accountable to the court and must report annually on both the physical well being and financial status of an incapacitated person.
Who may be eligible?
Individuals that meet residency requirements, are legally incapacitated, and have no other family, friend or agency willing or able to assist, may be eligible for county guardianship. Each referral is carefully screened and presented to the Board for a decision.
What happens after an individual is accepted as a client?
If the Board of Community Guardians accepts an individual for guardianship, the Prosecuting Attorney’s office submits a petition to the Court for consideration of appointing the BOCG as temporary guardian and conservator. A physician, court visitor and a guardian ad litem attorney are appointed to provide information to the Court regarding the circumstances and incapacity of the person being referred for guardianship. If permanent guardianship is granted, the Board of Community Guardians will serve as an advocate for the ward for the duration of their life.
I am a family member/friend wanting to be a guardian. What do I do?
Click the link below for more information about becoming a guardian for a family member or friend.
https://isc.idaho.gov/guardianship/guardianship-conservatorship
A referral application may be submitted to the Board of Community Guardians for consideration of public guardianship for vulnerable adults. Please include a physician’s letter stating the patient’s current condition and medical records.
The application will be screened prior to submitting it to the Board. The criteria for an individual to meet initial pre-screening is listed below:
- Individual must be 18-years old;
- Individual must be indigent (has no money to pay a private guardian or court costs);
- Individual unable to care for themselves;
- Individual has no one else willing to serve as guardian; and,
- Individual lives within the jurisdiction of Canyon County.
Although an individual may qualify under the above criteria, does not indicate they will be accepted into the program if 1) there are no openings 2) if the program feels it cannot adequately serve the person based on limited staff and financial resources available.
REFERRAL APPLICATIONCanyon County Assistance Office
Board of Community Guardians
1115 Albany Street, Box 11
Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 455-5969 – phone
(208) 454-6888 – fax
The Canyon County Board of Community Guardians (BOCG) seeks compassionate and dependable individuals to serve on the Board. The BOCG consists of up to eleven members, who set policy and ensure proper care of vulnerable adults. Board members are volunteer positions and are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.
Volunteers serve in different capacities including:
Advisory Board Member: Attend board meetings; decide on acceptance of referrals, approve expenditures; provide training and recruit members.
Guardian: Help plan for client’s medical treatment, advocate for client’s rights and dignity, monitor their care & living conditions and report any suspected abuse.
Companion: Visit clients; play games or cards, take out to lunch or shopping.
If you are interested in serving on the Board, please fill out and return the Volunteer Application.
Contact Information: Canyon County Board of Community Guardians (208) 455-5969 Community.Guardians@canyoncounty.id.gov
VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONAn Order establishing the Canyon County Board of Community Guardians was signed by District Judge, Edward J. Lodge, on June 30, 1987.
Members are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve 4-year terms. The Board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month to perform the duties and responsibilities as stated in the Board’s bylaws and Idaho law.
Board of Community Guardians
Cynthia Alleman
Stephanie Baumert
Mary Jo Campbell
Nancy Glascock
Eva Gohr
Brent Hart
Jayne Josephsen
Dottie Neher
Bailey Wilson
Lisa Nicodin
Duties of Board Members include:
- Screen referral applications for the appointment of a legal guardian and conservator for vulnerable adult residents who have been deemed incapacitated and have limited resources, including no family members or friends who are able or willing to assist;
- Attend evening monthly Board meetings;
- Approve expenses and have oversight of financial accounts;
- Ensure the needs of vulnerable individuals, within the community guardian program, are properly addressed;
- Nominate and vote in Executive Board Officers in adherence with the Bylaws;
- Assist with recruiting Board members, guardians and companions.
We are pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report for the Canyon County Board of Community Guardians per Idaho Code Section 15-5-603. We make this report publicly available with the goal of increasing awareness of Canyon County’s guardian and conservator program. The Idaho State Supreme Court has authority over guardianship practices in the state of Idaho.
The Board of Community Guardians is designed to serve as the guardian and conservator of last resort for individuals whose incapacity impairs their ability to care for themselves. A guardianship also protects and restores the rights of an incapacitated individual who is unable to exercise those rights themselves. The Board of Community Guardians acts in accordance with Idaho law and court rules.
Each guardian/conservator provides ongoing case management including in-person visits, communication with direct service providers, financial case management, medical consents and response to emergency needs.
View the Annual Reports Below:
Mailing Address
Board of Community Guardians
1115 Albany Street Box 11
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone / Fax
P 208-455-5969
F 208 454-6899