St. Clair County's guardianship system, designed to protect the interests of people who are unable to handle their own affairs, is beset by poor record-keeping and little oversight and accountability, an examination by the Belleville News-Democrat found.
In one example, John F. Pawloski, a Belleville attorney, was accused of writing more than $50,000 worth of unexplained checks from a dead person's estate and stealing $6,300 from a disabled adult while serving as St. Clair County's public guardian.
A study by lawyers, judges and state legislators in 2001 also identified major problems with adult guardianship in Illinois. It found that training is not routinely provided for guardians, many public guardians are overburdened, and guardian performance is poorly monitored.
Since then, nothing has been done to address the problems, experts say.
Zena Naiditch, president of Equip for Equality, a legal advocacy group for disabled people: "There's no question we have a guardianship system, I think, that's pretty broken."
Full Article and Source:
Who watches the guardians? County program helps those in need, but lacks accountability
See also:
Lawyer Agrees to Repay EstateIn one example, John F. Pawloski, a Belleville attorney, was accused of writing more than $50,000 worth of unexplained checks from a dead person's estate and stealing $6,300 from a disabled adult while serving as St. Clair County's public guardian.
A study by lawyers, judges and state legislators in 2001 also identified major problems with adult guardianship in Illinois. It found that training is not routinely provided for guardians, many public guardians are overburdened, and guardian performance is poorly monitored.
Since then, nothing has been done to address the problems, experts say.
Zena Naiditch, president of Equip for Equality, a legal advocacy group for disabled people: "There's no question we have a guardianship system, I think, that's pretty broken."
Full Article and Source:
Who watches the guardians? County program helps those in need, but lacks accountability
See also:
Lawyer Appeals Judge's Demand
Ten Days to Produce Documents
John Pawloski Case
Great question: Who IS watching the guardians? NO ONE by design.
ReplyDeleteYou have the courage you entered the snake pit of the guardianship racket. The guardians have been, and are on their own and it is clear they are out of control under color of law.
The loop of the guardianship gang is very large they are running the show as long as they are not questioned, audited or investigated.
The guardians have absolute power and control while they are seizing their wards possessions, homes, bank accounts, automobiles, income, stocks, bonds, safe deposit boxes (without bank supervision for inventory) hauling in the cash (I wonder if the IRS is being cheated?)
We are all at risk to become a victim of the guardianship racket. Most people believe they are protected by legal documents Power of Attorney documents many times are not recognized by probate court - why?
The guardians learned how to use and abuse the system to their financial advantage with court approval.
John F. Pawloski got caught. He belongs in a state cage. How many other Pawloskis are out there?