Guardianship, Advocacy & Planning Services
The GAPS team at The Arc Oregon supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today we support close to 100 adults across Oregon.
Our advocates can serve as a person’s legal guardian. They can also serve as a Health Care Advocate. We take on these roles when a person has no family member or friend who can.
We always look at other options first. For us, guardianship is the last choice.
Before you contact us
GAPS cannot help with these requests:
- Helping a parent or family member become a guardian
- Getting guardianship for a child who is turning 18
- Paying for guardianship services
- Paying legal fees for someone to become a guardian
- Finding and hiring a lawyer for guardianship
Do you want to become your family member's guardian?
Most families start by talking with an attorney who handles guardianship. Our guardianship FAQs list the steps and where to get help.
Are you looking for legal help, or help paying for it?
Our Low-Cost Legal Resources page lists organizations in Oregon that offer free or low-cost legal help.
Legal Guardianship
Health Care Advocacy
Future Planning
Person Centered Planning
Personal Advocacy
Is GAPS the right fit?
GAPS guardianship and Health Care Advocacy are for adults 18 and older who receive IDD services. We serve people who have no family member or friend who can take on that role.
These professional services have fees. We work with each person or their team to make a payment arrangement.
The Arc Oregon started GAPS in 1978. Parents were asking who would support their adult children with IDD when they could no longer help. That question still guides our work today.