Support Group for Families of Conservatees

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The Office of the Public Guardian (PG) is appointed by the Superior Court of California as the conservator for some of the most vulnerable people in our community: the elderly and the mentally ill. Communication and understanding are essential components when working with the families of persons who meet the criteria for conservatorship and at times there are gaps in providing these essential components. The San Bernardino County PG recognized the gap in services and in response created the PG Family Support Group to provide families with an ongoing source of support as well as to clarify the responsibilities of the PG, demystify associated government entities, assist families in understanding their new roles, avoid duplication of efforts and provide the most comprehensive services possible to better serve the conservatees and enhance their quality of life. The PG Family Support Group is organized and facilitated by the San Bernardino County PG and highly dependent on the support of volunteers. It features roundtable discussions and exchange of information among families of San Bernardino County Conservatees and key representatives of agencies present at the event, including County’s Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and County Counsel.