Adult Protective Services & Community Guardian Program
JASA has two programs that help safeguard the frailest and most vulnerable New Yorkers: the Community Guardian Program and Adult Protective Services.
Last year, JASA avoided 156 evictions on behalf of clients in these two programs.
COMMUNITY GUARDIAN PROGRAM
The Community Guardian Program serves as the court-appointed legal guardian of hundreds of adults across the five boroughs, providing them with critical services and supports with the goal of keeping them in their respective communities and as independent as possible. Individuals in this program have been determined to be "incapacitated" under Article 81 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law. JASA's Community Guardian Program serves some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including the seriously and persistently mentally ill, the homeless and formerly homeless, and people facing eviction.
The program submits annual reports on client cases as well as records of all client funds and expenses to the New York State Supreme Court Guardianship Court and the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Guardianship responsibilities can encompass a wide range of duties. Based on court decisions, this can include property and financial management, assistance with aspects of daily living, and advocacy with medical and social service providers.
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Adult Protective Services (APS) program provides critical protective and supportive services to vulnerable adults who, due to physical or cognitive impairments, are unable to meet their essential needs and are at risk of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation. Through comprehensive assessments, intensive case management, and coordinated access to services—including home care, financial management, benefits assistance, legal services, and mental health care—APS helps clients enhance their safety and stability while remaining in their homes whenever possible. Serving approximately 1,500 individuals annually across all five boroughs, the program also delivers emergency interventions to address crises and protect clients’ well-being, dignity, and independence.