Sheppard Wants Volunteer Guardianship Monitoring Program

Editor’s note: This program could never work in the corrupt environment of the Probate Court of Cook County. The first question out of the court would be, "What is your name?" The second question is, "Why are you here?" WE ARE HERE ON THE PEOPLES BUSINESS AND THIS IS A PUBLIC COURTROOM! Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com

 

Sheppard Wants Volunteer Guardianship Monitoring Program

Government | Fri, 02/15/2013 - 6:18 am | Updated 1 day 6 hours ago | Read 198 | Commented 1 | Emailed 0

By Press Release

COURT HOUSE – Cape May County Surrogate M. Susan Sheppard endorses the program initiated by New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner on Jan. 30 that calls for volunteers to monitor the well-being of the elderly and disabled who rely on legal guardians to manage their financial and health-related decisions. Surrogate Sheppard said, “Volunteers are the foundation of this initiative - The Guardianship Monitoring Program will enable Attorneys, Accountants, Retired Professionals, Students and others to volunteer to assist and protect our most vulnerable residents. I look forward to developing this program in Cape May County.”
“As a society, we must protect those who are most vulnerable, it is our responsibility to ensure that those who have guardians appointed are well taken care of in Cape May County,” added Surrogate Sheppard. According to Census data, the population of elderly and disabled Americans will grow dramatically in coming years. Surrogate Sheppard stressed, “It is essential that we take steps now to protect those with guardians by increasing and enhancing the level of oversight of legal guardians.”
Legal guardians in New Jersey are appointed by the court and are responsible for making decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person about personal and medical care, meals, transportation and even where the person lives. Guardians take control of the person’s assets, manage budgets, pay debts, and make all financial and investment decisions.
Legal guardians can be family members, friends, attorneys and others. They not only manage the affairs of people they assist, but also must report annually on the financial status and the general well-being of the individual in their charge. Written reports are filed each year with the county surrogate. The annual reports are designed to provide the courts with key information on the quality of financial management.
Surrogate Sheppard said, “Volunteers will work directly in my office and in Surrogate’s offices throughout the state to review guardian files and the annual reports.” Volunteers will receive detailed training from court staff on how to read and analyze the guardians’ annual reports and how to gather data for the new computer system. With the new database, missing or incomplete reports will be easier to identify. Volunteer monitors will flag inconsistent or incomplete financial information, which will be reported to judges for appropriate action.
The program is expected to be statewide by November 2013. Information about the program and how to volunteer can be obtained at njcourts.com, by calling toll-free 855-406-1262 or by contacting Cape May County Surrogate M. Susan Sheppard at 609-463-6667.

http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/court+house/90145-sheppard+wants+volunteer+guardianship+monitoring+program