New Guardian Oversight Program in Lubbock, TX

A program launched in May to oversee guardianships in Lubbock County has closed more than 50 cases because either the guardian or the ward has died, County Judge Tom Head said.

Head held a brief news conference during an Adult Protective Services conference in Lubbock on fraud and exploitation of the elderly.

Guardians are appointed in situations where someone is considered legally incompetent to make decisions or sign contracts — a situation that can arise because of mental infirmities such as dementia.

The guardianship oversight program is part of the county’s Office of Dispute Resolution, and has a goal of making contact at least once a year with each legal guardianship, using court investigator and court visitor services.

The county launched the program May 1, and, according to a news release, has conducted 80 investigations into guardianship applications and modifications, and reviewed more than 140 old cases.

So far, there have also been eight court-initiated guardianship applications, and five cases referred to either law enforcement, Adult Protective Services or the state Department of Age and Disability Services for investigation.

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New County Guardian Oversight Program Poring Over Old Cases