A state agency denies a license for the former president of the industry group that represents professional guardians and says she made false claims on her application. She denies lying.
One of California's most prominent professional conservators has been denied a license by the state and is the focus of a grand jury investigation.
The decision to deny Melodie Jo Scott a license marks a significant shift in the oversight of professional conservators, who answered only to probate judges until a 2005 Times series highlighted abuse in the field and prompted a licensing requirement that took effect in January.
Until this year, conservators, who control the healthcare and finances of adults deemed in Probate Court to be incapable of looking after themselves, were less regulated than hairdressers and guide-dog trainers. The Times series described how some were able to gain control over the lives and finances of elderly adults without their knowledge or consent, neglect their wards, isolate them from relatives, run up fees and in some cases steal from their clients.
Scott's licensing problems come as the San Bernardino County grand jury is examining many of her cases as well as others handled by a former associate, Lawrence A. Dean II.
Records show that Probate Court officials began delivering case files involving both conservators to the grand jury in October. They provided more files as recently as last month.
Full Article and Source:
Conservator Melodie Jo Scott under investigation
See also:
Conservator Could Be Out of Business
One of California's most prominent professional conservators has been denied a license by the state and is the focus of a grand jury investigation.
The decision to deny Melodie Jo Scott a license marks a significant shift in the oversight of professional conservators, who answered only to probate judges until a 2005 Times series highlighted abuse in the field and prompted a licensing requirement that took effect in January.
Until this year, conservators, who control the healthcare and finances of adults deemed in Probate Court to be incapable of looking after themselves, were less regulated than hairdressers and guide-dog trainers. The Times series described how some were able to gain control over the lives and finances of elderly adults without their knowledge or consent, neglect their wards, isolate them from relatives, run up fees and in some cases steal from their clients.
Scott's licensing problems come as the San Bernardino County grand jury is examining many of her cases as well as others handled by a former associate, Lawrence A. Dean II.
Records show that Probate Court officials began delivering case files involving both conservators to the grand jury in October. They provided more files as recently as last month.
Full Article and Source:
Conservator Melodie Jo Scott under investigation
See also:
Conservator Could Be Out of Business
I am so glad to see this investigation. Melodie Scott was featured in the LA Times series -- and yet she continued to operate business as usual.
ReplyDeleteAnd now it's coming back to haunt her.
Goodie
"The decision to deny Melodie Jo Scott a license marks a significant shift in the oversight of professional conservators, who answered only to probate judges until a 2005Times series highlighted abuse in the field and prompted a licensing requirement that took effect in January."
ReplyDeleteIn 2005 thanks to the Times publishing articles about Scott and how the guardianship racket operates with ultimate power and control, without any oversight, we are finally seeing some results.
What about the other 49 states? Which states require guardians be licensed?
We need surprise audits and reviews of ALL guardianship case files in ALL 50 states.
I guarantee the findings would be well worth the effort.
I hope the IRS and the State of California is awake and alert to investigate all of Scott's past IRS & State taxes earned and unearned income declarations.
I am patiently waiting for the day to see this greedy power monger in her state issued attire: jumpsuit with big lettering.
ReplyDeleteShe needs to be thrown in a cage, stripped of her rights and forced to live at the direction of others with power over every move.
That would be the beginning of JUSTICE.
In the state of Georgia, an "incurable" mental diagnosis gets the spouse an instant divorce, and the guardian gets control of the "sick" person, who might be destined to a state facility for life.
ReplyDeleteIt's just another racket.
You can bet Helen Jones must be looking down from heaven and smiling!
ReplyDeleteGo down, Melodie Scott. All the way to hell.
ReplyDelete