Molly Justice
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Conservatorship videos to explain basics, ways to prevent elder abuse and exploitation
Williamsburg, Va. (June 13, 2022) — Recognizing June 15 as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has released new videos on the basics of conservatorships.
Courts approve conservatorships, which grant a person or entity the duty and power to make property decisions for another person. Public interest in both conservatorships and guardianships has increased in recent years due to high-profile cases involving celebrities Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes. However, most cases involve the elderly.
“Courts monitor conservatorships and guardianships, and this monitoring is absolutely essential to safeguard the well-being and finances of the person with a guardian,” said Diane Robinson, a principal court research associate who leads NCSC’s Center for Elders and the Courts. “Increased education, awareness and resources are key in reducing potential elder abuse and fraud.”
The informational videos outline the roles and responsibilities of conservators and the qualities of a good conservator. They also provide tips on how to prevent and detect fraud.
Through its Center for Elders and the Courts, NCSC offers general information about the process, qualifications for guardians/conservators and case monitoring. For more information, visit eldersandcourts.org.
The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.