Aug. 30, 2006

By Jack Leonard and Robin Fields
Times Staff Writers

SACRAMENTO — Responding to wrenching reports of elder abuse and neglect, the state Legislature today overwhelmingly approved the most far-reaching changes to California's conservatorship system in nearly three decades.

Lawmakers endorsed a package of reforms requiring professional guardians to earn state licenses and intensifying court supervision over how they care for the state's most vulnerable adults.

Advocates for the elderly hailed the measures as an important first step in restoring public trust in a vitally important — but deeply troubled — system. Some hoped that it would prompt similar changes around the country.

The push for reform was triggered by a Times investigation published in November that described how some professional conservators were able to swiftly gain control over the lives and finances of elderly adults without their knowledge or consent, then neglected their wards, isolated them from relatives and ran up fees.

"We all face this terrible, terrible risk of abuse," said Assemblyman Dave Jones (D-Sacramento), who wrote one of the four bills that make up the reform effort. "Ordinary Californians have had some experience or heard of people that have had bad experiences in the system, and they know that we need to reform it."

The bills each face one more vote tomorrow, though lawmakers expect little opposition.

The reform package would then go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has pledged support for improving the state's conservatorship system but has yet to say whether he will sign any of the bills.

If Schwarzenegger signs the bills, California would become the nation's sixth state to license or certify professional conservators, following in the footsteps of Arizona, Washington, Florida, Alaska and Nevada.