§ 9313. Duties of Commissioner when providing guardianship services

(a) When providing guardianship services to a person with developmental disabilities, the Commissioner shall maintain close contact with the person with developmental disabilities, no matter where the person is living in this State, and shall permit and encourage maximum self-reliance on the part of the person with developmental disabilities under his or her protection. The Commissioner shall permit and encourage involvement by the person with developmental disabilities, and family members, and other individuals of the person's choice in planning and decision-making.

(b) In addition to the supervisory powers vested in the Commissioner by the court pursuant to section 9310 of this title, the Commissioner shall assist any person who is under guardianship to obtain those services to which the person is lawfully entitled and which the person needs in order to maximize opportunities for social and financial independence. Those services include, but are not limited to:

(1) Education services for a person with developmental disabilities who is of school age;

(2) Residential services for any person with developmental disabilities who lacks adequate or appropriate housing or residential supervision;

(3) Medical and dental services as needed;

(4) Therapeutic and habilitative services, adult education, vocational rehabilitation, or other appropriate programs or services for any person with developmental disabilities who is in need of such training or services;

(5) Counseling and social services;

(6) Counseling and assistance in the use of and handling of money. (Added 1977, No. 192 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2001, No. 43, § 1.)