Tulare HHSA

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Public Guardian

The Tulare County Public Guardian serves a vital function to those individuals who's decision-making abilities have been impaired or compromised as a result of illness and/or disability.

What does the Public Guardian do?

The Public Guardian conducts official investigations into conservatorship matters, and serves as the legally appointed guardian for persons, who have been determined by the Courts to be incapable of caring for themselves. These are generally older, frail and vulnerable adults who are at risk or have been a victim of abuse or neglect.

When appointed conservator of an estate, the Public Guardian manages the finances of the conservatee who has been found by the Court to be unable to manage them alone, or is susceptible to being taken advantage of financially by others. In this role, the Public Guardian locates and takes control of the conservatee's assets, collects income, pays debts and taxes and invests funds.

When appointed conservator of the person, the Public Guardian is responsible for making sure the conservatee has proper food, clothing, shelter and health care. Depending on the conservatee's ability to understand and make decisions, the Public Guardian may receive authorization from the Court to make medical decisions for the conservatee as well.

Making a Referral to the Public Guardian

The Public Guardian is charged with evaluating and investigating persons that may no longer be capable of managing their finances/personal affairs or may be subject to physical abuse or neglect. The Public Guardian is appointed conservator for one or more of the following reasons:

• The person is incapable of managing their finances/personal affairs, has an estate that requires management and has no family
• The person is incapable of managing their finances/personal affairs, has an estate that requires management and family members are unable, because of illness, distance or other circumstances, to provide assistance
• The person is incapable of managing their finances/personal affairs, friends or family members have exploited or neglected the person and are not suitable conservators and the person is subject to further abuse or neglect without intervention

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For additional information, please contact:

Public Guardian - Adult Protective Services

3500 W. Mineral King Ave., Suite C

Visalia, CA 93291

(559) 733-6585