Terms in italics are defined in Glossary of Terms

Cass County Council on Aging (269) 445-8110 

Our mission, as a community-supported human service agency and as a vital part in the aging network, is to assist older adults and those responsible for their well-being, thereby preserving their dignity and enhancing the quality of their lives by providing in-home care, information, support services, and enrichment activities.

       The COA Believes That:

• Every individual is entitled to live in dignity and to be respected and valued as a human being.

• Trust and commitment are essential to the development and growth of all human relationships.

• The success of any organization is achieved by maintaining the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and ethics.

• Continuous learning is imperative for the growth and development of the Agency.

• Staff and volunteers are an asset to the agency and their talents deserve recognition.
   

Probate Court (269-945-1390)

- Guardianship

The Court can answer questions regarding guardianships; however, Court employees are unable to give legal advice.

• Appointment of Guardian: If no family member or other individual is available or willing to be appointed, a private, non-profit agency (public guardian) or disinterested third person may be appointed.

• Temporary Guardians: If the petition alleges the need for an immediate decision regarding the person due to an emergency, the Court may appoint a temporary guardian. A full hearing must be scheduled within 28 days of the appointment of a temporary guardian.

- Conservatorship/Protective Order

The court can answer questions regarding conservatorships/protective orders; however, Court employees are unable to give legal advice.

• Appointment of a Conservator: If no family member or other individual is able or willing to be appointed, a private, non-profit agency (public guardian) or disinterested third person may be appointed.

• Special Conservator/Protective Order: A special conservator can be appointed to act to protect the assets of an individual due to an emergency situation.

- Involuntary Commitment to an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility

Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network (269-445-2451) assists persons in completing an Application for Hospitalization for individuals alleged to be mentally ill and in need of treatment.

- Patient Advocacy Conflicts

A petition may be filed with the Probate Court when disputes are about:

• Whether or not a patient advocate is acting in the patient’s best interest,

• whether or not a patient wants to revoke a designation; or,

• whether or not a patient is unable to participate in medical treatment decisions.

 Cass County Prosecutor’s Office (269-445-4460) 

The Prosecutor’s Office of Cass County is vested with the legal authority to prosecute all crimes charged under the state statutes of Michigan which occur within the boundaries of Cass County. Once a police investigation of a crime has been completed, the Prosecutor’s Office will review the case to see if legally sufficient evidence exists to charge someone with that crime. If charges are filed, the Assistant Prosecutors will appear at court proceedings as the representatives of the crime victim and the people of the community and will follow the case through the trial and sentencing stages.

In addition, the Prosecutor’s Office has on staff a Victim Rights Advocate who works directly with the victims of a crime. The Victim Rights Advocate assists crime victims regardless of whether the cases are actually prosecuted through the court system. The Victim Rights Advocate protects the constitutional rights of crime victims and assists victims in a variety of ways if their cases are proceeding through the court system.

For Victims of Crime:

During normal business hours, the Victim Assistance Program can provide:

• Referral to the Victim Rights Advocate depending on the nature of the criminal offense (domestic violence, sexual assault, etc.).

• Information on community resources to aid in making the victim whole again (financial assistance, counseling, housing, etc.).

• Information on securing personal protection orders or private legal advice.

• Assistance in completing a Crime Victim’s Compensation application for financial assistance or restitution from the State Crime Victim’s Fund.

• The Victim Rights Advocate may accompany the victim during all court proceedings.

• Regular updates and information on the status of the case and all other rights under the Michigan Crime Victim’s Rights Act.
  

Michigan Office of Services to the Aging

The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging is a state resource for information on aging in Michigan. If you are an older adult, family member, or caregiver, you can easily find and be referred to community programs available in your local area. Information to help people age successfully is also available. If you work with or for older adults, you will find up-to-date information to help keep you professionally informed.

Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network  (269-445-2451) 

Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network (WBHN) responds to requests for mental health services and information 24 hours a day:

Emergencies (269-445-2451 )

Callers requiring emergency intervention are immediately referred to an Emergency Mental Health Worker (EMH) for appropriate action. EMH workers are responsible for screening individuals for possible involuntary commitment or voluntary admission to an inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Request for Services (269-445- 2451)

Requests for consumer services are referred to staff, who will assess the need for services, determine the urgency of the need and make an appropriate referral. If the caller currently receives WBHN services, the caller may be referred to their current service provider. If the caller currently does not receive WBHN services, they will be linked to appropriate services. WBHN assists families in determining the need for guardianships of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Basic Information (269-445-2451 )

Callers requesting basic information about the mental health services or other community resources are provided information and/or referral.

Complaints:

• Calls regarding mental health service or service delivery complaints, grievances or appeals are referred to the Recipients Rights Officer (445-2451).

• The Office of Recipient Rights (ORR) is responsible for investigation of allegations of a violation of the Mental Health Code: Chapter 7 (Rights of Recipients). These rights protect against the abuse or neglect of one receiving services directly from WBHN or from a contract provider. If it is determined that ORR does not have jurisdiction over a particular complaint, an attempt will be made to refer the complainant to an appropriate entity (269-445-2451or ORR at 517-373-2319).

Medical Intervention - Emergency

• Psychiatric: contact the individual’s primary care physician or the WBHN for emergency consultation and/or intervention.

• Medical: Contact the individual’s primary care physician and refer to the emergency room.  

Minority Coalition of Cass County  (269) 476-2242

Mission:  Bringing racial harmony to the people of Cass County.

The coalition provides educational and sulturally sensitive programs and activities to all people and ages of Cass County.

Domestic Assault/Homeless Shelters.

For a listing of shelters and the telephone numbers, see “Shelters” in Telephone Contacts. 

Emergency shelter should be used when no other housing options are available, or when personal circumstances indicate that housing is not safe. Each emergency shelter provides lodging, meals and assistance to help find permanent housing and other needed services.

Many shelters have a maximum length of stay, as well as a time frame in which they cannot be used again by the same person. Persons are encouraged to use any resources they have for lodging, using the shelters only when all other safe options have been exhausted. 

Long Term Care Ombudsman (866-485-9393 – State Wide)

The Long Term Care Ombudsman program was created to help address the quality of care and quality of life experienced by residents who reside in licensed long term care facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care facilities. The Long Term Care Ombudsman program is available toll free for concerned relatives to investigate complaints, suggest remedies, and assist with resident rights, payments, issues, guardianship, and nursing home placement.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program provides free and confidential services to seniors who reside in licensed Long Term Care Facilities. These services include advocacy, community education, information and referral. The Ombudsman can also provide guidance and assistance to persons wishing to file a formal complaint with the proper agency or just explore their options. 

Cass County Veterans Affairs   (269) 445-4472
120 N. Broadway - Suite 215
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Director:  Thomas M. Green
TomG@cassco.org

Cass County Veterans Affairs can assist veterans with obtaining medical treatment, disability compensation. disability pensions, and hardship assistance  in appropriate circumstances.  They can also assist with burial expenses and obtaining burial flags.  For information on these things and other services that may be available, contact Thomas Green.