Imagine having your whole life put into the hands of a stranger who can take away your freedom to choose from where you live to how you spend your money, and if you disagree on how they're handling things, you have no outside agency to complain to.
Seven's investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is on the case.
95-year-old Lucille Gittens was forced to leave the home she had lived in with her son and his family for thirty years.
Sybil Gittens: "I felt helpless, I couldn't help her, I couldn't do anything."
Tecia Gittens: "It was very disturbing. My grandmother was like my best friend."
The court stepped in and appointed a guardian after a family disagreement over the mother's finances.
Keith Gittens: "Ninety percent of families have family squabbles, I'm sure you're aware of that, but that doesn't mean it has to reach this level of making a drastic decision like this for no reason."
He says first the guardian took over his mother's estate and eventually took her out of her home and put her in a group facility.
Keith Gittens: "The legal system is so complex that you can spend all your time and all your money and get nowhere."
Keith says he could find no one to independently to investigate his concerns about what was happening with his mother.
Keith Gittens: "There's too much power given in this guardianship program, there's no checks and balances really."
Avril Schuckman says her mother had a picture-perfect life, but her last hours were a nightmare.
Avril Schuckman: "My mother suffered desperately. I think it was the most heinous crime."
Avril says her mother had a do not resuscitate order which her guardian ignored. In fact, the South Florida guardian did not call Avril in Tampa and tell her her mother was dying until four days after she was put on life support.
Avril Schuckman: "She lasted another twenty hours gasping for air. It was the most awful death I've ever seen, it was just tragic."
Avril thought the guardian should have been investigated, but she could find no independent agency to hear her concerns.
Keith Gittens: "I think that the legislature should look at the entire guardianship program and revamp it."
Avril and Keith are not alone. Nationwide, so many families are upset about the treatment of loved ones they've organized.
Full Article and Source:
Carmel on the Case - Guardian
Watch the video
Reported by:
Carmel Cafiero
Producer:
Cheryl Simmons
Contact
csimmons@wsvn.com
IF YOU HAVE A STORY FOR CARMEL TO INVESTIGATE:
Miami-Dade: 305-627-CLUE
Broward: 954-921-CLUE
E-mail: clue@wsvn.com
95-year-old Lucille Gittens was forced to leave the home she had lived in with her son and his family for thirty years.
Sybil Gittens: "I felt helpless, I couldn't help her, I couldn't do anything."
Tecia Gittens: "It was very disturbing. My grandmother was like my best friend."
The court stepped in and appointed a guardian after a family disagreement over the mother's finances.
Keith Gittens: "Ninety percent of families have family squabbles, I'm sure you're aware of that, but that doesn't mean it has to reach this level of making a drastic decision like this for no reason."
He says first the guardian took over his mother's estate and eventually took her out of her home and put her in a group facility.
Keith Gittens: "The legal system is so complex that you can spend all your time and all your money and get nowhere."
Keith says he could find no one to independently to investigate his concerns about what was happening with his mother.
Keith Gittens: "There's too much power given in this guardianship program, there's no checks and balances really."
Avril Schuckman says her mother had a picture-perfect life, but her last hours were a nightmare.
Avril Schuckman: "My mother suffered desperately. I think it was the most heinous crime."
Avril says her mother had a do not resuscitate order which her guardian ignored. In fact, the South Florida guardian did not call Avril in Tampa and tell her her mother was dying until four days after she was put on life support.
Avril Schuckman: "She lasted another twenty hours gasping for air. It was the most awful death I've ever seen, it was just tragic."
Avril thought the guardian should have been investigated, but she could find no independent agency to hear her concerns.
Keith Gittens: "I think that the legislature should look at the entire guardianship program and revamp it."
Avril and Keith are not alone. Nationwide, so many families are upset about the treatment of loved ones they've organized.
Full Article and Source:
Carmel on the Case - Guardian
Watch the video
Reported by:
Carmel Cafiero
Producer:
Cheryl Simmons
Contact
csimmons@wsvn.com
IF YOU HAVE A STORY FOR CARMEL TO INVESTIGATE:
Miami-Dade: 305-627-CLUE
Broward: 954-921-CLUE
E-mail: clue@wsvn.com
100 comments:
My heart breaks for these victims.
Thanks you, Carmel Cafiero, for doing this important story. I hope the Boomers are watching!
I have known Carmel Cafiero for many years and as you can see, she is probably the best investigative reporter in south Florida.
My sincere thanks to her for pointing out the lack of reasonable and objective oversight of the guardianship systems throughout the nation. When common sense screams "foul" as an elder is exploited by the system and still nothing is done to stop it, then it is time for change.
Thanks Carmel and go NASGA!
Joe Roubicek
Annie McKenna is a fine spokesperson for NASGA.
Thanks Annie!
It's good to know that guardianship is back in the news!
It's been quiet too long!
Carmel Cafiero is a top notch reporter and she did a great job.
I hope Fox will follow up with another story.
FL is prime predator ground.
This exposure is great for NASGA and for guardianship victims in Florida.
Carmel Cafiero was great. She made it easy to understand and the injustice of it outrageous at the same time!
The families were professional and well spoken. I hope this report brings them some justice.
And NASGA's spokesperson was professional and is a credit to the organization.
Thank you every one involved!
Carmel Cafiero is a voice for both the victims and their families - both whom have been rendered helpless by corrupt and/or uncaring courts.
This report brought elder abuse into focus and I thank Fox and NASGA for it!
I saw this story when it aired and it gave me so much hope that guardianship abuse will be exposed.
I was equally as excited to hear about NASGA and the good work done there in behalf of victims all across the country and I want to be a part of this organization.
Applause and standing ovation to Fox News and Investigative Reporter Ms. Carmel Cafiero for your excellent coverage on the truth about Guardianship.
By taking this delicate subject, head on, you are giving the forgotten victims of guardianship abuse a loud, clear voice.
I agree with you joecitizen, Carmel is a serious minded investigative reporter who will make a positive difference in people's lives.
With court approval Wards are treated worse than convicted prisoners.
Everday, a parade of Wards are stripped of their dignity, their basic civil human rights, their homes, their possessions and all of their assets with court approval.
Everyday in every state in the USA, innocent people are churned into products for profit with court approval. They are silenced, but through you, the world will hear and see what they have to say.
Knowledge is power and only through public pressure and outrage will there be open discussion and full discolusre.
Only through exposure will there be a chance for change.
Society in general believes the courts can be trusted; the courts always act in the best interest of the Ward. This is smokescreen, a false perception of the Guardianship System turned into a "racket".
Thank you! Fox News.
Thank you! Carmel Cafiero.
My deepest sympathies to the family of Lucille Gittens. I hope they find a way to bring these people to justice for the pain and suffering and harm to the victim.
No! No! No! Never! I cannot imagine having my life (or someone I love) in the hands of a stranger who has all the power over life and death, who sees $$$$$$$$$$ in their eyes - no way.
I cannot put into this comment the words that I would need to fully describe what I really think of this court system that allows the un-American, inhumane, uncivilized treatment of our citizens because my comment would be ... rejected.
And, what about that sweet fellow who is working for the post office? Why is he under guardianship since 2002 or am I nuts?
He can't retire because he knows these crooks, his guardian, will take his pension?
Isn't that beyond unbelievable and a FEDERAL ISSUE?
What is going on?
Thank you NASGA, Fox News and Carmel Cafiero for your courage to bring these issues to our attention so we can figure out how to not become a victim like these poor souls.
This story is a wake up call for all Floridians! It was very well done and I am grateful to have seen it when it aired.
Thank you Fox, Carmel, and NASGA!
In my opinion from this brief segment, this sounds like a scene from a 3rd world uncivilized country.
It sounds like the guardianship system is years out of control.
Guardianship needs to be taken out of the courts, away from judges who enjoy judicial immunities where there is no recourse, no place to go, for the complainants to be heard and honestly addressed.
Complaints about the situation go right to the judge, and the very people who are responsible for letting this outrageous and wrong process continue while the ward is funding the entire process.
Time to legislate major changes. Even a child in grammar school would figure this out, if something is failing, not working as intented:
GET RID OF IT and start over and get it right!
Great job Fox TV and thank you for doing this report.
Victims rarely get the media attention they should. I guess they just aren't believed. Or media is afraid to tackle this issue.
Thank you, Ms. Cafiero, for stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run!
I heard about this story from my neighbor then I read some of your blog and the nasga website there is so much to read it will take me 2 weeks. I am stunned and very mad at these people who did this to that poor old woman and all the others. Where have I been you might want to know? I never heard of such a thing before on the news. Why are these bad people kept a secret? I want to know more we all want to hear more please show us more of what is happening to the old folks. Thank you for helping.
The media is the only way to get justice, and I hope this story releases the two victims featured in this report.
Well done!
I hope the Fox network all over the country follows suit and investigates guardianship in their respective areas.
Thank you Fox Florida for getting the ball rolling.
Good going everybody involved!
To think this abuse is happening in this country - to our citizens -is an outrage.
What fate awaits us all? Strangers with total control over us pushing our family aside? Lord help us all.
Keith Gittens is right - the legal system will eat up all your money and you won't get anywhere.
We have to do something about it.
Thank goodness for NASGA!
Fox news is progressive, unlike the other TV stations. I hope and pray their affiliates pick up on this snake pit of deceit.
If Fox continues investigating the guardianship racket around the nation, there is no doubt they will win awards for their efforts for having the courage, shining the light on the dark dirty secrets of probate court.
How else can people find out about what is going on?
They can't, until they are caught in the net of probate, then it is too late.
Thanks, Fox Florida, for airing this very serious problem.
If we had a meaningful judicial and attorney discipline system, these things could not happen.
Self-policing of the professions is supposed to protect the public, but instead, judges and lawyers protect their own.
Thank you, Fox, for this report. I know at least that I am not alone.
I will contact my local Fox channel and see if they will do my story, too.
If you are going to highlight the problems of Guardianship as currently practiced in Florida, the public must be given the full facts. In the case of the first story what was purported to be the facts came no where near the truth.
To the last Anon,
Why don't you share your version of the truth?
Are you the guardian, attorney or judge?
What is your interest in this case?
Thank you.
Yes Anon let's be fair here, let's hear what you have to say - we are all eyes.
You know your comment is a "tease" to imply ..... what???
That you have personal knowledge of the details of this case and what else?
"..... In the case of the first story what was purported to be the facts came no where near the truth"
Have you contacted FOX NEWS and the reporter Carmel Cafiero?
If so, when will your side of the story be aired?
If not, why not?
I agree. If you have something to say, publish your side of the story.
To Anon, the doubter: I agree, please don't hit and run; that's not fair.
I believe the investigative reporter Ms Cafiero is a reporter with experience.
In addition, what justifies the prolonged painful end to the Ward, Lucille Gittens life that took place while she was under the power and control of her court appointed guardian?
I agree: Anon, don't hit and run. If you have a side, present it.
And please state your positon - are you a neighbor, family friend, guardian, attorney -- or someone else?
A good discussion is helpful for everybody. We may not agree, but we will learn from each other for sure.
When an investigative report is aired, you can rest assure FOX news WSVN, Carmen Cafiero and their legal team looked at the documents and any other supporting evidence. Unlike the courts, the "court of public opinion" is the way to go. Is someone getting scared???
The legal team at Fox news are not foolish. They check out all complaints before airing. Some one is nervous of any truthful exposure
Wnen an investigatiive report is aired on FOX news, WSVN, you can be assured that the legal team and Carmen Cafiero have checked supporting documents. Someone is running scared. It is like any criminal. When you do wrong you are always looking over your shoulder and you will eventually be caught. The court of pubic opinion is very powerfull...keep it up.
To the last anon... For your information most of us have been thru it and if we can help someone to know the REAL facts BEFORE we have done a good thing...
Bravo Carmel Great story Please do another story so we can investigate . I hope the people that comment join NASGA and tell their story Its power in numbers...Most feel alone you are not alone... at least now..
If Anon the doubter who allegedly has the facts, the other side of this story who wirtes in lawyer speak "purported" continues to remain silent, the only conclusion is he/she has nothing credible, newsworthy or truthful to offer in this forum to support his/her position and has a personal agenda to twist the truth for his/her entertainment, the hit and run smokescreen.
We are waiting.
I bet Anon was insinuating something negetive about story #1's family.
The guardianship happened because of a family dispute - that was made clear in the segment.
If I'm right, Anon, please remember the point of the story is about the devestation of the guardianship itself upon the Ward and the Ward's family --- it's not about taking sides in the dispute.
Please expand on your statement so we can discuss.
I find it asolutely heartbreaking to listen to and see Lucille Gittens being forced to leave her home. My God, this is going on how many times a day?
This is barbaric, cruel and inhumane treatment extremely difficult to watch even though I know seeing and hearing is the only way to get people to see the truth. If it isn't on video many people don't believe this could be true.
Yes, it hurts the truth hurts.
Lori's comment: "Self-policing of the professions is supposed to protect the public, but instead, judges and lawyers protect their own"
No other profession has 'self policing' as corrupt as the Legal Profession; a complete
SHAM
Anonymous: I'd like to hear the 'facts' not reported by Carmel Cafiero as I'm certain she would as well.
Hmmmmm where oh where is the hit and run artist? Maybe on Spring Break? We're a friendly reasonable bunch of folks waiting patiently to read what anon the doubter has to offer for discussion on Ms Cariero's news story. tick...tick...tick.....
thank you fox and nasga for bringing this horrific story to light.
Camel Cafiero and Fox pulled a fraud on the public. The were never interested in the facts of the case. They were only interested in the sensation of the story and a tape manufactured by Keith Gittens. The family of Keith Gittens took Keith and his wife Sybil to court for financial abuse. Lucille Gittens has seven siblings. fortunately all of the family and most of the friends know the truth.
Fox is a tabloid station. not a station intrested in facts
Aren't you missing the point? The fact that there is no outside agency to help in guardianship abuse disputes?
FYI - families that fight over a loved one open the door for the courts to step in - and then the draining of the estate really begins - lawyer fees, guardian fees, court cost etc. It does not take long for "justice" to deplete an estate.
In the end, the loved one is the one who really suffers.
right, the loved one suffers. you are stripped of all your civil rights. too bad if you don't like what the guardian decides. you have no voice. and you pay the guardians and lawyers to financially rape you. would you want to be owned by the government?
Anon's point of view and comments contain strong accusations:
"Ca(r)mel Cafiero and Fox pulled a fraud on the public. The were never interested in the facts of the case......."
"They were only interested in the sensation of the story and a tape manufactured by Keith Gittens."
Sensation of the story? The fact that Lucille Gittens was very upset; she was forced to leave her home is a very important event of this news account.
"The family of Keith Gittens took Keith and his wife Sybil to court for financial abuse"
Yes, we're waiting Anon, for the details. Case # ________?
1) Is this case open or closed?
2) What are the causes of action and the total amount of loss $____.__?
3) What is the status or conclusion of this case, this civil litigation?
4) Will there be criminal charges? If so, please list the counts of the state's complaint.
5) If not, why?
This old lady was stripped of her dignity by being shown in public in a manner in which she has never been seen before. If Keith Gittens wanted to highlight the problems of Guardianship he could have done so without putting his mother on National TV in that state.
First of all, calling her "this old lady" seems very disrespectful. Secondly, Ms. Gittens was stripped of her dignity by the ones who drug the family personal business into a court ::: they made it public ::: and by the court who then took away all of her basic rights and liberties.
I think this family should be proud that they had the courage to come forth and expose the broken guardianship system for what it really is - ownership and exploitation of a human being.
This is very sad.
The article states that the family had a "disagreement over the mother's finances." So who exactly decided to take a family disagreement to a court?
If there was any financial abuse, then where are the criminal charges?
I don’t believe there are any and I believe that dragging this in front of a judge was a big mistake. And that person will soon learn. Unfortunately, the lesson will be at the expense of the mother.
I just hope this family will find healing.
The truth hurts, doesn't it?
I do not blame or fault the family for taking photos, videos in good faith, of the incidents related to this guardianship situation.
Videos represent thousdands of words that would be contradicted. Without the video it would be "he said / she said".
The video shows what happened in real time.
I agree, the video of Lucille Gittens being taken by force was very powerful and it was a true event. Showing it on the news didn't strip Lucille Gittens of her dignity. Those who took her by force had already done that (including the court).
The point of the story was not the family fight that started the guardianship -- Fox didn't take sides on the dispute. What Fox did was show the result -- the abusive guardianship.
And the lesson for all of us is this abuse didn't just happen to Lucille Gittens or the other victim and her family, but it can happen to each and every one of us.
We've got to put an end to it.
The issue of financial abuse by either side of the fighting family is not what Fox was reporting about.
Fox reported that the fight brought on the guardianship -- and look what's happened to the mother because of that.
The issue is that because of the legal proceedings, Mom now is taken out of her home by force. In other words, the guardianship itself is abusing her.
In my opinion, guardian abuse is everyone's problem. This could happen to any of us. I for one appreciate this report. It is a warning and I take it seriously.
Once again members of the public are expressing opinions without facts. Sure the guardianship system is broken. No one is disputing that. Does anyone out know the conditionns under which the ward live in Keith's house. No one seems to be concered by that. The family that sought justice in court were the ones victimized by the courts. Did any of you question the health and well being of Mrs. Gittens under Keith. I note thar it was said that the tape wamanufactured. Did any of you out their question the true motives of Keith and his wife. I note that no tapes were produced for the other stories. Keith may be the one here that needs investigating.
The anonymous who said that they took Keith Gittens and his wife to court is an out right lie. The case # 01-7023 is the only complaint filed by her other seven childred in the Broward county court accusing their morher of being incapacitated in 2002. The court did not find the allegatiions to be true. Unscrupulous attornies hired by her seven children in 2004 revived the case with a dishonest judge appointing a guardian and her attorney who took her savings and social security and rent from a Brooklyn house. None of her other children wanted to take her in. Only Keith Gittens and his wife. Cramen Cafiero was at the court house. She has all of the facte. I dare the ananymous to give the case number in order to be reliable. The Guardian is in Brooklyn courts trying to take her hose. The case number 100055. Come on anonymous give us your case number and location.
Thanks for the update and case information.
Keith, I recognize your last posting. You maybe able to fool the uninformed public but your former friends like myself know what you are all about. I would suggest that anyone interested in the truth review the file.
I did a search in Broward County court records. There is only the probate records for Gittens just as the Anon. said.
I think the others here that are trying to discredit this report need to stop with the hearsay and produce a real case number.
But there is none in online records.
Bottom line, this report is about the outcome of a family squabble. That outcome is Lucille Gittens becoming a victim of guardianship.
How can a guardian legally ignore a DNR? Who holds these people accountable? Schuckman family should be outraged.
There are many other alternatives rather than taking your parent to a court of law and having them declared insane or incapacitated. This is sad really.
To the Anon who said, "Does anyone out know the conditionns under which the ward live in Keith's house. No one seems to be concered by that. The family that sought justice in court were the ones victimized by the courts. Did any of you question the health and well being of Mrs. Gittens under Keith.", please understand the report was not an indepth study of the Gittens' dispute.
The Fox report was about guardianship abuse.
Please go to the NASGA website, www.StopGuardianAbuse.org and read the "An Open Door" page.
"The family that sought justice in court were the ones victimized by the courts." .... this is a common occurance.
When uou take your matter to court, everybody loses. Everybody.
Thank you for remembering the Shuckman family in these comments.
Normally what happens is guardians place a DNR on their wards without their knowledge. And without their consent or the family's consent.
The daughter featured in this story will never sleep soundly again. I feel so bad for her.
Yes, thank you from me too. I feel so bad for Avril Schuckman too. I guess the point is that no-one holds the guardian accountable. If this was my mother, I don't know what I would do.
I hope Avril Shuckman will regain her strength and her health and advocate to help others.
Guardians have absolute power and control over their wards lives and finances with court approval.
All enjoy protections and immunities by design and that is a recipe for DISASTER.
The guardianship system is not working in the best interest of the Ward - get rid of the system and all of those individuals who are in it for self serving reasons, for personal enrichment.
Guardianship racket is a money train; people turned into products guaranteed to generate mega profits for those in the probate loop.
A challenge to to anyone who claims to have information on any part of the case. Give us valid information that can be verified or give us your name and telephone number you will be contacted and then you can mail the information to those who are interested. Furthermore send the verified information to this organization. I have a feeling you will do neither because you are coming accross as a mean person. You should not be allowed to blog if you have nothing to offer. Do you know one can be sued for defermation of character??? Come on say who you are so far you have alot of nothing to offer.
wow, it looks like this family is still fighting. why not focus on how you can get the parent out of the system. if you can get them out, i don't know.
Most family fights like this get started and just gain steam -- especially when financial abuse is suspected on either side.
The thing to remember is it can only stop by conversation and compromise.
If you don't do it, Gittens family, the lawyers will continue to profit and your mom is forever lost.
Very rarely is a ward set free, released from the probate net. Most wards are doomed to die as a ward of the state under guardianship. Many wards die a painful death without comfort care. They are forced to take medications, many are over medicated, most often with mind altering drugs (psychotropic medications), starvation and dehydration which is an awful way to die. This really can happen to you.
Wake Up America!
It's nearly impossible to get your loved one out of the system after he/she is in, Anonymous.
The only real chance we have is if we act BEFORE guardianship gets its hooks into our loved one's life and liberty.
I hope many feuding families saw this report and immediately sat down to talk things out - open and honestly, rather than take their fight to court.
I think Carmel Cafiero was very effective in getting the message across.
Knowledge is power.
Thanks to FL Fox News and investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero more people, families can begin open dialogue, enabling them to take appropriate immediate actions to protect their loved ones, prevent them and themselves from harm, from becoming another statistic of the greedy self-serving guardianship racket.
Iaam definitely do not endorse guardianship but in the case of lucille Gitt ens removal from her son Keith's house As far as Iknow it was agreed by her oyher children to remove her because it is much cheaper where she is now.Also it is afact that her childre, Grand childre etc,was having difiicuky in visiting her and when they did they encounterd ahidde mini video between a plant and also there were notices stuck up with restrictions like an institute
Thank God Lucille Gittens has been moved out from Keith's premises. The enitre family now unlimited access to visit her.
To the last comment,
You are so young in the guardianship system. Most victims would disagree with you and perhaps invite you to come back in a few months after you have experienced more of what a guardianship really means.
I would be interested in the events; how much time elapsed after the victim, the ward 95-year-old Lucille Gittens, was forced from her home of 30 years until her prolonged, painful death.
If this is someone's idea of the positive side of the guardianship system in this case, then I would request that those individuals would come forward and volunteer to become a ward of the state, to have their life end in the same manner as Ms Gittens.
Volunteers?
Anyone reading this comment care to leave their personal contact information for future petition for guardianship?
The death in the guardianship on the second segment aired is with Avril Schuckman's mother. My sympathies to Avril and her family. There should be a way to prosecute the guardian. We dont know why there was a guardianship and I am not interested. The fact is that the guardianship was abusive.
The postal worker is also interesting. why did he need a guardian? Why should he be abused? Why should he beg for his money?
It is my impression that in the first segment, Lucille Gittens lived with her son since the age of 65 , if you do the math. It seems to me that this was her choice and if she never filed a complaint it speaks for itself. If a complaint was filed for neglect and abuse , please send the complaint information that is normally filed with the Department of Children and Family. Why didn't any of her other children take her into their home ???
A security camera forced her out of the house???
To the two perople who are grateful Lucille Gittens was taken out of her home so the whole family can now visit her, please understand that guardianship is not a means of gaining visitation.
That's not the purpose of guardianship at all.
You would not likely want to be taken out of your home against your will and forced into a nursing home, but Lucille Gittens didn't have the right to complain about that or anything else. Her rights and liberties have been taken from her by the court.
Imagine. Imagine if tomorrow morning you woke up and "they" came to get you. And there wsn't a thing you could do about it.
Imagine then if your family was happy because your incarceration in a nursing home made it easier for them to visit.
I don't think you'd be happy.
I wish Avril Schuckman would join this discussion and tell us if she made any effort to prosecute the guardian.
Prosecute the guardian, yes, yes, yes, now wouldn't that send a clear, strong message!
Yes, prosecuting the guardian in the Schuckman case would start a good precident.
If guardians were held accountable for their horrendous acts, they might think twice before ignoring a dying person's DNR.
What Avril Schuckman didn't say is how her Mother got to that awful point. Was it natural? Or was her Mother drugged with psychotropic drugs?
Followed by death by starvation and dehydration forced on many wards.
I know I was forced to watch a loved one, a ward of the state, die a painful death, very cruel, inhumane treatment without comfort care or a sip of water.
Yes.. in order to bring justice to these guardians, they should be exposed. I know there are legal matters to be considered, however if we know the names of these guardians and publish them you are not breaking the law because it is a fact and their names are registered in the courts. Some states don't allow public access.
In the case of Avril Schulman and the postal worker more information is needed.
In the case of Lucille Gittens, the file is open to the public. The initial guardian was a Sue Skronia, Pembroke Pines Florida and her Attorney Particia Voss. Alledgely there are many civil rights, financial and legal violations. They eventually resigned. The presiding Judge Mel Grossman appointed a so called "NOT FOR PROFIT" CARESOURCE INC, Commercial Blvd Ft., represented by the law offices of TRIPP SCOTT, Represented by Angela Crandell. ft. Lauderdale. A check on CARESOURCE showed that several of their client properties were sold to pay for guardian ship costs. This information is on line. Anybody who knows how to search could find this out. Also google the Judge for information on him.
Thank you Joe for your research and information.
Well I just heard about this prior post by "joecitizen" and although I don't object to the content, I would like to make it clear that this is not me, Joe Roubicek.
If you click into the profile by clicking on "joecitizen" you will see that I have my pic posted and this other person does not. that should help to differentiate for the moment.
Thank you Joe for clearing that up. We can certainly relate since there are others using nasga and stop guardian abuse but they are not NASGA.
Would the other "joecitizen" please give your name so that we may thank you for your research and information.
To joecitizen 1 & 2:
Your comments and dedication to wrongdoing are deeply appreciated.
Joecitizen 2: Thank you for your time and efforts to be our "eyes" in this case.
Thank you!
Thank you joecitizen(2).
Yes, I believe you did the right thing; the abusers of the guardianship system need to be identified and exposed.
The valuable information that your provided here is priceless:
"The initial guardian was a Sue Skronia, Pembroke Pines Florida and her Attorney Particia Voss. Alledgely there are many civil rights, financial and legal violations. They eventually resigned."
Resigned? That action in itself speaks volumes. No further action?
I was under the impression that a judge would contact the authorities for further investigation of individuals for wrongdoing, unethical conduct, suspected breach of fiduciary duties, missing funds, overbilling which in reality is: fraudulent billing etc.
Do you think this case be investigated by state or federal authorities for illegal, criminal activities by those who profit while in positions of trust?
I have a gut feeling this is not the only case; there is a pattern contained in those guardianship case files.
We appreciate your views and input; we very much look forward to hearing from you again.
Sorry joecitizen.. did not know of the code name being used... now call me concerned citizen. I prefer to remain incognito for now. My information will be accurate and directely from court files.
In the case of Lucille Gittens I saw a document and made copies where Judge Mel Grossmean when Sue Skoronia and Attorney Patricia Voss were guardian , approved $5.00 per day for meals and living expenses after 1 year of no financial allocation. Also the social security dept and the Federal assistant district attorney got involved. The money was then sent back to the family. No restitution was repaid. When Caresourse was appointed they were successful in getting the social security and similar problems continued. Also on file is a petition by Caresoure to sell her Brooklyn property. Alleged inflated expense summary was submitted even though there is an opposing documents pointing out the alleged inflated expenses. The Judge then approved the petition.
Available online:
CASE NO. 07-60178-CIV-MARRA
In August 2006, following an investigation of the allegations of misuse of Social Security
Benefits, the SSA terminated Skornia as Representative Payee and appointed Keith Gittens.
Skornia did not administratively appeal the SSA’s decision. Instead, Skornia filed a “Guardian’s Ore Tenus Motion for Order Compelling Keith Gittens to Return Guardianship Assets,” seeking, in part, reinstatement as Representative Payee. On October 19, 2006, the state court issued an order “requiring the Social Security Administration [to] return the Representative Payee status of the above Ward to said Ward’s legal guardian, Sue Skornia.” When the SSA did not comply with the state court order, Skornia filed a pleading captioned “Guardian’s Petition for Order to Show Cause Why the SSA Should not be Held in Contempt for Failing to Comply with the Court Order dated October 19, 2006.”
In Re:
"ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE WHY SOCIAL
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SHOULD
NOT BE HELD IN CONTEMPT FOR FAILURE
TO COMPLY WITH THIS COURT'S ORDER
DATED OCTOBER 19, 2006"
and
"ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE WHY SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SHOULD NOT BE HELD IN CONTEMPT FOR
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH GUARDIAN'S
SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM DATED
NOVEMBER 13, 2006."
The court concluded that the United States is immune from state judicial process under the doctrine of sovereign immunity and that the state court orders, seeking to compel a federal officer to act in a way contrary to the regulations of SSA, violate the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution.
http://www.websupp.org/data/SDFL/0:07-cv-60178-8-SDFL.pdf
concerned citizen:
No need to apologize for using anothers name, joecitizen understands that his name is common.
You certainly can remain anonymous that is your right and we appreciate your position.
Thank you so much for the details you provided here from the case file.
I find all of this to be disturbing, wrong and very probable that a pattern would be contained in many other, if not all, guardianship case files.
"Sue Skoronia and Attorney Patricia Voss were guardian , approved $5.00 per day for meals and living expenses after 1 year of no financial allocation."
$5.00 a day for meals and living expenses? This amount is demeaning, unrealistic and wrong; sounds like a starvation diet while saving the wards funds for _____? with court approval.
It appears the only agency that stood it's ground was Social Security Administration (comment from NASGA CASE NO. 07-60178-CIV-MARRA).
It doesn't sound very promising that any real investigation will take place or any hope that the guardians Sue Skoronia and Attorney Patricia Voss will face the consequences for their actions.
Motive and Intent: The inflated billing and expenses in my vocabulary is ....a crime, intentional fraudulent billing leaving me wondering why the investigators didn't move forward to charge those in positions of trust.
I am not surprised to learn
that Judge Mel Grossmean is approving, blindly rubberstamping whatever the guardians want.
My guess is that Skoronia and Voss will get back into fiduciary rotation; they will be appointed guardians in another case and fall into their deceptive pattern again and again. Who is watching? Who would know? Who would stop them?
Any suggestions or direction regarding how to get some federal or state action?
This is a lot to digest and to think about but as disturbing as it is, the information is knowledge and knowledge is power.
Guardianship works in the best interest of the guardian; the system evolved into a profitable nationwide industry churning people into products to generate $$$$ for the probate club.
Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you again.
I wonder how many guardianship wards are having their social security benefits misused by a guardian.
The misuse of wards' SS benefits is an issue that is being buried case after case.
In our case, the ward's SS checks were stolen by the guardian, who was not a representative payee. The guardians bank failed to stop banking transactions without the required documents. Several months worth of her wards SS checks were used for the guardian's personal expenses.
In addition, it is a fact that this guardian did not declare as income any of the embezzled funds while in her position of trust to the IRS and state tax forms as earned or unearned income.
To the best of my knowledge, all of these federal and state issues did not generate any "further action" on the tax issues.
Knowing all this (and volumes more), a BANKRUPTCY JUDGE without missing a beat, approved the petitioners request for BANKRUPTCY protection.
Bankruptcy court is one of the first places crooks go to protect themselves, their assets from plaintiffs and all future judgments.
The American Way!
RE: JUDGE MEL GROSSMAN
Connect the dots. . . . . all the way to AARP
GUARDIANSHIP TASK FORCE
1. CHAIRPERSON
Clerk of Courts appointed by Clerk’s Association
HONORABLE JED PITTMAN, CLERK OF COURTS PASCO COUNTY
2. Judge appointed by Florida Conference of Circuit Judges:
*****JUDGE MEL GROSSMAN*****, ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE PROBATE DIVISION 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
3. Law professor appointed by the Secretary White
PROFESSOR GORDON T. BUTLER
4. Florida State Guardianship Foundation member appointed by Florida State Guardianship Foundation
KNYVETT LEE
5. Florida State Guardianship Association member appointed by Florida State Guardianship Association
KATE MINGLE, PROFESSIONAL GUARDIAN
6. Real Property Probate & Trust Law section member appointed by the Real Property Probate & Trust Law section.
DAVID BRENNAN, ESQUIRE
7. Elder Law section member appointed by Elder Law section
ENRIQUE ZAMORA, ESQUIRE
8. Professional under 744.331(3) (Examining Committee member)
DR. KARL JONES, PSYCHIATRIST
9. Florida Banker’s Association member appointed by the Florida Banker’s Association
RANDY POPLE, PRESIDENT AND CEO CAPITAL CITY TRUST CO.
10. Citizen or consumer appointed by Executive Director of Florida AARP
JUDY THAMES, AARP STATE PRESIDENT
I would guess that if a person is living with someone, then the ssa checks should be going to that home. In other words, the main caregiver should be appointed the representative payee. They would need the benefits to provide food, shelter, medical, etc. Isn't there a rule that says ssa beneficiary is entitled to at least so much of the money for an allowance? I believe there is. The guardian providing 5 dollars a day is misuse in my book. What happened to the rest of the money? And it seems that caresource inc. removed the ward from the home so they could get control of the money. These cases are usuallly always about money. So called protection has little to do with court appointed guardians.
The SS checks should be going to the caregiver taking care of the person, of course. But, not in guardianship. Guardians usually seize all assets and then put the Ward on a budget.
Of course, they are not on a budget. Just the ward.
More information on Caresource Guardianship alledge abuse.
In case file 01-7023 Broward county court Florida. After the resignation of Sue Skronia, Keith Gittens filed a petition called "suggestion of capacity". Lucille Gittens was re examined and she was found to have sufficient capacity to restore her rights to vote, choose where she wants to live and her choose her social life. The opposing Attornies from the guardian and her other childred opposed the results and General Master Methalis ordered another examination. The second examination with a different doctor resulted in the same reccomendations. Caresource attorney fought to have it thrown out. General Master Methalis ordered that the doctor reccomendation be approved. He then told the Caresource Attorney to draw up the papers. When the papers were drawn up they inserted a clause "can be revoked upon financial conditions". Florida statute 744 does not allow for modifications to the statute only what is on the books with no pre conditions. Judge Mel Grossman signed the order.
In order to have full control over Lucille Gittens, Caresource petitioned the court with alledge false financial statements saying that moving her to a an assisted living facility is in the best financial interest of Lucille Gittens. In the petition they made false claims of visitation. There is no evidence of such accusations. She was then removed from her residence of 30 years.
A search reveals that several guardians of CareSource Inc. are registered with the National Guardianship Association.
Knyvett Lee NCG
Organization Name: CareSource, Inc.
Address: 7071 W Commercial Blvd. Suite 2-D
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33319 United States
Phone: 954-720-2485 x 214
Fax: 954-720-2486
Email Address: klee@caresourcefl.org
Website: http://www.caresourcefl.org
Membership: Organization
Dolores Smerkers
Organization Name: CareSource, Inc.
Address: 7071 W Commercial Blvd. Suite 2-D
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33319 United States
Phone: 954-720-2485 x 212
Fax: 954-720-2486
Email Address: dsmerkers@caresourcefl.org
Website: http://www.caresourcefl.org
Membership: Organization
Bonnie Stevens
Organization Name: CareSource, Inc.
Address: 7071 W Commercial Blvd. Suite 2-D
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33319 United States
Phone: 954-720-2485 x 213
Fax: 954-720-2486
Email Address: bstevens@caresourcefl.org
Website: http://www.caresourcefl.org
Membership: Organization
http://www.guardianship.org/stateResults.asp
We will be adding the label of "certified guardian" to this post.
Will the pirates do penance?
There has to be a way to move forward in the criminal arena. I think there is more than enough evidence thanks to blogger concerned citizen and NASGA blogger for further action on these crooks.
I find the guardianship task force of friends to be red flag warnings. See how these people are connected, buddies, running our lives all for their profit and amusement?
concerned citizen, Thank you, you certainly are concerned for all the right reasons. You have provided us, once again, with a wealth of incriminating information that makes me sick to my stomach to know that this is allowed to continue.
This pattern is no doubt repeated again and again by those who are in positions of trust. Trust?
"Lucille Gittens was re examined and she was found to have sufficient capacity to restore her rights to vote, choose where she wants to live and her choose her social life."
This evaluation should have stuck; it should have been the end of this guardianship but no, those who will be getting rich off of Ms. Gittens.
Why is it the majority of wards are dragged out of their homes, placed into nursing homes instead of having a caretaker at their own residence? Which is what I believe most people would prefer, I would want this arrangement for my loved ones and for myself. It's about greed, power and control of the property and the money.
I also think there is a ring of nursing homes that are connected to the guardians with opportunities for kickbacks and a continuing flow of bonuses to go around.
"When the papers were drawn up they inserted a clause "can be revoked upon financial conditions". Florida statute 744 does not allow for modifications to the statute only what is on the books with no pre conditions. Judge Mel Grossman signed the order."
This is out of control organized crime under the roof of a courthouse with the mob boss sitting at the bench.
Your comments on the Lucille Gittens case is shared by me and other people who are aware of it. There are many more violations of the law and her civil rights. What needs to happen is if NASGA could bring this case to the attention of the Florida chief Judge or the Florida Supreme court, maybe they will listen. Normally polticians dont like to get involve unless there is a big outcry from the public.
I will be monitoring this blog and from time to time will publish verified information.
concerned citizen:
Thank you for stepping up, for being our "eyes", we appreciate your extraordinary efforts sharing your findings with us, giving Lucille Gittens a voice in a process that is known to take away all basic rights silencing the wards.
"Normally polticians dont like to get involve unless there is a big outcry from the public."
You have that right. Your views about politicians not wanting to rock their boat or make waves unless they are forced to acknowledge and address wrongoing and worse with media, press exposure, public pressure and outrage.
A quote from joecitizen:
"When common sense screams "foul" as an elder is exploited by the system and still nothing is done to stop it, then it is time for change."
It is time for drastic change. In order to get change, those enablers, who are enabling this system to continue to fail to protect the ward with court approval must be held accountable.
We welcome your following and very much look forward to future comments from you and others who support our beliefs and goals.
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