Securing Property

  1. Secure all doors with hasps/locks on home, sheds, garages, etc. 
  2. If unable to properly secure with hasps/locks, specialist will need to retrieve all known keys to the residence/ property. 
  3. Re-key or have new door locks placed on doors.
  4. Lock all windows.
  5. Use chains and locks to secure gates.
  6. Lock all vehicles and secure all keys to the vehicle.  Keys should be secured at the designated county office. Staff should never drive a client’s car. If it is necessary to move, specialist should staff with supervisor and arrange for a tow service to move the vehicle. If necessary, the vehicle can be stored at the OKDHS Service Center.
  7. Secure keys, purses, wallets, jewelry, and other valuables in the home.  If situation warrants removal of personal items, specialist should staff with supervisor and district Program Field Representative as to where items should be stored. If coins or cash are found during securing property or during inventory of home, if possible, should be deposited in client’s bank account. If no bank account exist or after hours, coins or cash should be secured in the home until deposit can be arranged. If client is homeless or there is not an adequate place for securing of cash or coins, specialist should arrange for coins and cash to either be secured at the hospital or placement.  This would need to be documented and receipt signed by specialist and staff receiving items.
  8. Secure Guns- Specialist should contact law enforcement to secure the weapons.  If law enforcement refuses to take possession of weapons, specialist should locate a hidden area in the home.  Serial numbers will need to be documented on inventory.
  9. Guardianship notes should reflect where all valuables have been secured and located.  
  10. If items are removed from the home, they should be inventoried and documented.  This should be witnessed and signed by specialist and third party. If items are given to others (ie. Nursing home staff or AV) this should also be witnessed and documented with signatures.  If given to AV, third party should also serve as witness and sign documented inventory.
  11. Notify law enforcement that the home is vacated due to the guardianship.
  12. Specialist should check the property to ensure property is still secured monthly and document in Guardianship Notes.  Specialist should not enter the home.
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