O.C. Public Guardian’s Power May Get Boost

As a precaution against the exploitation and abuse of senior citizens, the Orange County Grand Jury on Friday recommended legislation that would give authorities the power to determine whether a potential conservator has a criminal record.

In a new report, the grand jury said the proposal would give the Office of the Public Guardian the ability to search confidential law-enforcement databases that contain arrest and conviction information.

Usually, Superior Court judges select conservators for people who can no longer manage their personal and financial affairs. When the court cannot find a qualified person, the Office of the Public Guardian is brought in to find a conservator.

The office performs a background investigation that includes contacting friends, neighbors, relatives or county officials who are familiar with the potential conservator. But under state law, the office does not have the authority to search law-enforcement information.

Ed Macias, a spokesman for the grand jury, said the recommendation could close a major gap in the Public Guardian’s ability to select honest conservators.

The grand jury report will go to the county Board of Supervisors for consideration.