A 9Wants to Know investigation is getting attention at the State
Capitol. Lawmakers are trying to solve the problem of at-risk adults who
are abandoned and end up stuck in hospitals for months.
DENVER- State lawmakers say they were inspired to push for a new
state guardianship program after 9NEWS exposed the hidden epidemic of
at-risk adults stranded in local hospitals.
As part of it’s reporting on STRANDED, 9NEWS found the current Office of Public Guardianship has failed to help one adult
because of a lack of funding. Lawmakers are currently pushing to hit
the “reset button” on the program to get it started as a pilot.
t’s estimated 5,000 Colorado adults could use a state guardian program.
The
9NEWS investigation was referenced several times during a House
Judiciary Committee meeting on Thursday afternoon. Lawmakers voted to
move a bill forward for potential appropriations to a pilot program.
“It
really motivated me on why I wanted to bring this bill and why I’m so
concerned with addressing this growing problem,” said Representative
Marc Snyder, a democrat from Colorado Springs. “
A few people
testified against the program, saying Colorado needs to establish
oversight regulations for guardians so they don’t exploit at-risk
adults.
“Currently guardians are allowed to ruck amuck unregulated and unsanctioned,” David Cassidy said.
Full Article & Source:
9NEWS investigation inspires lawmakers to help at-risk adults
I am glad to read this, still I don't want the new state guardian to start pushing family aside so I hope there are strict guidelines.
ReplyDeleteGuardianship should take into consideration these people may have family. Stop alienation isolation and exploitation.
ReplyDelete