Guardianship and administration

Guardianship and administration: an introduction

Guardianship and administration are a last resort if there is no less restrictive alternative to protect and promote the human rights of an adult with disability.

Hospital protocols for patients with OPA appointed guardians

Printable checklists for the treating team

NDIS Deeds for participants with an OPA appointed guardian

NDIS service deeds (agreements) that support coordinators, plan managers, SDA providers and other service providers can submit online for OPA guardians to sign on behalf of participants. 

• Submit a Deed or a Deed Amendment Schedule
• Information for providers about changes to OPA’s NDIS deeds – October 2022
• Information for providers about changes to OPA’s NDIS deeds – May 2022
• Frequently asked questions about OPA's NDIS Deeds

VCAT appointed guardians and administrators

• Information for Victorian hospitals
• When you have been appointed as a guardian
• When you have been appointed as an administrator
• Information for supportive guardians and supportive administrators
• Guardianship and administration orders made before 1 March 2020

Does my adult child with disability need a guardian?

Guardianship is not necessarily required simply because a person has a disability.

Applying to VCAT

Any adult can make an application to the VCAT Guardianship List for a guardianship or administration order.

OPA Investigations

While OPA staff collect and provide information, it is VCAT that decides whether a guardian or administrator is needed. 

Litigation guardian

A litigation guardian can be appointed by a court or tribunal when a person does not have the capacity to instruct their lawyer. Please note, OPA is not funded to provide a litigation guardian service

Video: Understanding the Guardianship and Administration Act 2019

This online webinar introduces the key concepts and changes in the Act.