Thursday, July 19, 2012

MI: Audit Flags Courts for not Doing Background Checks on Conservators, Guardians

Probate courts in Michigan do not always order background checks on people appointed to make financial and medical decisions for seniors, children and other wards who cannot care for themselves, a state audit has found.

Of 76 probate courts that responded to auditors' survey, 34 - or 45 percent - did not do criminal history checks on conservators, guardians or their families before naming them. Forty-six, or 61 percent, did not do sex offender checks.

The audit, released Thursday, said while doing background checks before and after appointments is not required under state law, it is a "sound business practice" favored by the AARP, an advocacy group for seniors.

Auditor General Thomas McTavish recommended that the Michigan Supreme Court's administrative arm provide guidance to probate judges on doing background checks of potential conservators and guardians.

Full Article and Source:
Audit Flags courts for not Doing Background Checks on Conservators, Guardians

3 comments:

  1. StandUpThursday, July 19, 2012 9:58:00 AM

    Do these audits include the so called professionals?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mary AnnThursday, July 19, 2012 9:19:00 PM

    Is there ANY accountability for the "professionals"? Including the judges who appoint the guardians/conservators!! MORE ACCOUTABILITY NOW!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousFriday, July 20, 2012 1:47:00 AM

    The court system needs to require bonds when ever there are court appointed guardians or conservators put in place to help protect the innocent that are being incarcerated into a system they will not be able to get free of until their last dime is spent, loosing their rights from the potential financial exploitation that lay ahead.

    ReplyDelete