The mission of the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is to aid, empower and protect New Jersey's incapacitated elderly by furnishing outstanding individualized guardianship services.

Administratively located in the Division of Aging Services within the Department of Human Services, OPG acts as surrogate decision maker for residents sixty (60) years of age and over who have been deemed incapacitated by the Superior Court of New Jersey. OPG does not petition to become guardian, but rather accepts judicial appointments on a discretionary basis.

We recognize that each client is unique, with his or her own behavior and values. We honor each client's choices to the maximum extent possible, planning ahead to ensure that individual care and treatment wished are respected. Good faith and honesty -- the fundamentals of fiduciary responsibility -- guide us as we carry out our duties. Accountability, compassion and a humble awareness of the level of trust reposed in us by the public, the judiciary and the healthcare community inform our decisions.

Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults
Helen C. Dodick, Acting Public Guardian
P.O. Box 812
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0812
Tel.: 609-588-6500
Fax: 609-588-7131
Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.