The Public Guardian provides a vital service to persons unable to properly care for themselves or who are unable to manage their finances.  The service is provided through a legal process known as conservatorship.

The Office of the Public Guardian is appointed by the Superior Court of California, Kings County, to act as the LPS, Murphy’s or Probate Conservator for individuals who require conservatorship as defined by law and where no other viable option exists.

Initially, the primary responsibility of the Public Guardian, was for the finances of persons civilly committed to psychiatric facilities.   As society evolved and laws changed to meet new social challenges, the role of the Public Guardian broadened to include more responsibility for the care of the individual.  The landmark LPS Act of 1969 and subsequent changes to the Probate Code meant that the Public Guardian became the substitute decision maker for vulnerable populations of the county with grave mental disabilities.

The Public Guardian is responsible for conducting investigations into conservatorship matters in Kings County. The Public Guardian acts as the legally appointed conservator for persons found by the Superior Courts to be gravely disabled (unable to properly care for themselves or their finances or who are unable to resist undue influence or fraud).  Such persons usually suffer from severe mental illness or are older, frail, and vulnerable adults.

In Kings County, The Office of the Public Guardian also acts as Public Representative Payee, as designated by the Social Security Administration, for individuals who have difficulty managing their financial affairs. Individuals who meet the criteria to receive services in this program are living in our communities being case managed by another public agency or private non-profit organization. Without the formal management of their monthly income benefits, they would have difficulty maintaining their housing and meeting their basic needs.

For additional information regarding Public Guardians, please click here, and/or continue exploring our website.

     Scott Holwell

     Public Guardian/Public Conservator