When Alice Smith (not her real name, but this is a true story), age 80, first came to the attention of the Lawrence County Guardianship Services Program (LCGSP), she had no money and no place to live. Alice’s daughter and Power of Attorney had cleared out her bank account, sold her house, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada—taking with her more than $200,000 of Alice’s money. Sadly, Alice had also been diagnosed with demen … [Read more...] about A Helping Hand: Volunteer Advocates for Seniors or Incapacitated Adults
Adult Guardianship
Judicial Responses to Elder Abuse
Though many judges have seen elder abuse, not all may fully understand it. Often considered a “hidden” crime, elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, neglect, and/or self-neglect. It can also be seen in civil, criminal, probate, family, and mental health proceedings, creating a variety of issues for the judicial system.“The biggest chall … [Read more...] about Judicial Responses to Elder Abuse
Indiana Judges Present Guardianship Registry to World Congress on Adult Guardianship
Our nation’s Capital was the stage for Indiana judges to tell a world gathering of leaders in the adult guardianship arena about Indiana’s cutting edge contribution to the cause. On May 30, 2014, a speaking delegation from Indiana, led by Fountain Circuit Court Judge Susan Orr Henderson and Lake Superior Court Judge Diane Kavadias Schneider, presented at the World Congress on Adult Guardianship in Washington, DC. … [Read more...] about Indiana Judges Present Guardianship Registry to World Congress on Adult Guardianship
Courts and Volunteer Adult Guardianship Programs and Projects
At any given time in Indiana, a number of indigent adults who can no longer manage their own affairs enter the court system. Many are looked after by a small but dedicated cadre of people who donate their time. In a bid to swell the number of volunteer guardians, the Indiana General Assembly provided $500,000 in the spring of 2013 to the Indiana Supreme Court to provide grants to programs and projects that manage … [Read more...] about Courts and Volunteer Adult Guardianship Programs and Projects
New Adult Guardianship Attorney at State Court Administration
Erica Costello joined the Division of State Court Administration as its new and first Adult Guardianship attorney. Before joining STAD, Erica served for eight years as the Director of the Adult Protective Services in northern Indiana. Her offices were with the St. Joseph Prosecuting Attorney but she served multiple counties and has already established a fine reputation among advocates for an adult guardianship … [Read more...] about New Adult Guardianship Attorney at State Court Administration