Public guardians are primarily appointed for which type of individuals?

Public guardians are primarily appointed for indigent individuals with no one else to serve them because these individuals often lack the financial resources to hire private guardians or navigate the legal and care systems on their own. The role of public guardians is to provide protection and assistance to those who do not have family members or friends available to take on the responsibility of guardianship.

This need arises within the broader context of adult protective services, where the aim is to ensure that vulnerable individuals who are unable to care for themselves receive the necessary support and intervention to live safely and with dignity. Public guardianship serves an essential function by stepping in when individuals cannot advocate for themselves or when no other appropriate representation or care is available.

In contrast, minors in custody typically fall under the jurisdiction of child welfare services, while wealthy individuals tend to have the means to access private guardianship options. Individuals with temporary incapacitation may not require a guardian at all, as their needs could be addressed through other means or temporary support systems.