Mental Disability Law Division
The Legal Aid Society's Mental Disability Law Division provides guardian ad litem representation to adults subject to guardianship and protective placement. Also, upon appointment by the Circuit Court, Legal Aid attorneys provide defense represntation for adults facing involuntary civil commitments. The Mental Disabilites Law Division represents over 1200 individuals per year.
In addition, Legal Aid's Guardian Advocacy Instruction & Networking (GAIN) Project recruits volunteers to serve as legal guardians for adults with mental disabilities. GAIN Project staff trains volunteer guardians to be effective advocates on behalf of their wards and provides ongoing assistance to the volunteers as needed.