What should guardians avoid to maintain their role?

To maintain their role effectively, guardians should avoid conflicts of interest and self-dealing. This principle is central to the ethical standards governing guardianship because a guardian is expected to prioritize the best interests of the ward, who may be unable to make decisions for themselves. Conflicts of interest arise when a guardian's personal interests might interfere with their duty to act in the ward's best interests. Self-dealing involves situations where the guardian may benefit personally from decisions made on behalf of the ward, which can ultimately compromise the integrity of their role.

By avoiding these conflicts and self-interested actions, guardians uphold the trust placed in them and ensure that their decisions remain focused solely on the welfare of the individual they are responsible for supporting. This principle not only protects the ward but also fosters transparency and accountability in the guardian’s actions, which is crucial for maintaining the legal and ethical standards associated with guardianship.