a possible translation of "insegnante di sostegno" is "assistant teacher for handicapped children". in this case I would specify "for mentally ill persons". hope this helps!

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 8 min (2008-12-17 14:29:01 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

I would add "LEGAL assistant for mentally ill persons"

A notary client of mine has written papers for academic journals on this subject. We discussed the possibilities for Amministrazione/amministratore di sostegno: guardianship/guardian
Carership/Carer – the term used in authoritative translations of the terms in the BGB, Betreuungsgesetz, Bettreuer
- Receivership, Receiver, plus the Scottish terms: guardian (general), curator bonis (financial management), tutor-dative (medical decisions), gestor (a concerned relative or friend).
In the end, we decided on Receiver, which includes advocacy on behalf of the person under disability, under English law.

A social worker acts as both a councilor and an assistant for people who are otherwise unable to care for themselves. They may provide assistance with meals, transportation, home care (physical, mental and housework), assistance of all sorts.
Here's a link that pretty much explains all of the different aspects this "job" entails.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:Social w...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day2 mins (2008-12-18 14:22:21 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

In Italy they may not be appointed by a Court, but clearly the job description fits social worker perfectly: you could say Court Appointed "social worker" or "case worker"
Here's a link fpr caseworker ( or case worker)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caseworker_(social_work)
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/caseworkervisits.htm

Court Appointed "Special Advocate" or simply "Advocates" are another option, but generally these are appointed for children that are neglected, not necessarily adults with mental illness, and they work with..guardians,social workers, and foster parents...

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/ip/casa/index.shtml

There is no exact term that I can find which would allow for just a "title" vs. court appointed....title.
For the sake of accuracy as far as the actual responsibilities of this position are concerned I would stick with case worker or social worker.


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day10 mins (2008-12-18 14:30:17 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

By the way, social workers and case workers are usually assigned to a "case" by a government agency or by a Court.
Also, social workers and case workers can deal with all aspects of the person's welfare, financial, legal, medical, housing etc.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day15 mins (2008-12-18 14:35:26 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

La finalità del provvedimento consiste nella tutela, con la minore limitazione possibile della capacita' di agire, delle persone prive in tutto o in parte di autonomia
***nell'espletamento delle funzioni della vita quotidiana***, mediante interventi di sostegno temporaneo o permanente.

Used to be called a Receiver pre-UK Mental Health Act 2005.

The Court-Appointed Deputy is brought under the remit of the Public *Guardian* and an IMCA - Independent Mental Capacity Advocate, as from 2007, keeps a beady eye on developments.