Amador County – District Attorney Todd Riebe urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the transfer of the Public Conservator and Public Guardian over to Social Services, citing “conflicts of interest.” The District Attorney’s office took over the responsibility of both positions after the former Conservator was charged with embezzlement shortly before 2001. The office prepares, reviews, and signs all legal documents and other papers necessary in the guardianships and conservatorships of the person and estates of minors, incapacitated adults, and adults with mental disorders. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly said “the D.A. has really stepped up to the plate to handle that office with more structure and a system of checks and balances.” But she said problems arose when clients of the Conservator’s office became clients of the D.A.’s office. To avoid this conflict of interest, clients are referred out of the county, which often proves more costly and time consuming. Supervisor John Plasse questioned how a Conservator client “would go from that to a client of the D.A.’s office.” District Attorney Todd Riebe said that often times a client with dementia may be charged with neglect or even spousal abuse. He said one conservatee even committed assault with a deadly weapon. “Sometimes…they can’t help it,” he said. “A private conservator must be hired to represent the best interests of the conservatee- that costs money,” he added. Riebe also noted that Amador County “is not with the trend” and is only one of five counties remaining in California that have not yet integrated Conservator and Guardianships into either a Behavioral Health or Social Services department. Daly said that by absorbing these positions into Social Services, there would essentially be a “one stop shop” situation, referring to the natural role of Social Services to address human issues and care for people with disabilities. Supervisor Ted Novelli asked if there would be any fee for the transfer. Daly said it would actually save the county around $10,000 when you consider current fees for outside legal services. Health and Human Services Director Matt Zanze introduced Caroline McDonald, who will be running the new office with his supervision. The move was approved by the board 5-0. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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Amador County – District Attorney Todd Riebe urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the transfer of the Public Conservator and Public Guardian over to Social Services, citing “conflicts of interest.” The District Attorney’s office took over the responsibility of both positions after the former Conservator was charged with embezzlement shortly before 2001. The office prepares, reviews, and signs all legal documents and other papers necessary in the guardianships and conservatorships of the person and estates of minors, incapacitated adults, and adults with mental disorders. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly said “the D.A. has really stepped up to the plate to handle that office with more structure and a system of checks and balances.” But she said problems arose when clients of the Conservator’s office became clients of the D.A.’s office. To avoid this conflict of interest, clients are referred out of the county, which often proves more costly and time consuming. Supervisor John Plasse questioned how a Conservator client “would go from that to a client of the D.A.’s office.” District Attorney Todd Riebe said that often times a client with dementia may be charged with neglect or even spousal abuse. He said one conservatee even committed assault with a deadly weapon. “Sometimes…they can’t help it,” he said. “A private conservator must be hired to represent the best interests of the conservatee- that costs money,” he added. Riebe also noted that Amador County “is not with the trend” and is only one of five counties remaining in California that have not yet integrated Conservator and Guardianships into either a Behavioral Health or Social Services department. Daly said that by absorbing these positions into Social Services, there would essentially be a “one stop shop” situation, referring to the natural role of Social Services to address human issues and care for people with disabilities. Supervisor Ted Novelli asked if there would be any fee for the transfer. Daly said it would actually save the county around $10,000 when you consider current fees for outside legal services. Health and Human Services Director Matt Zanze introduced Caroline McDonald, who will be running the new office with his supervision. The move was approved by the board 5-0. Story by Alex Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
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