On Tuesday, September 24th at 6:30pm, the Edison Public Library will welcome author and investigative journalist Diane Dimond for a discussion about the state-run guardianship/conservatory system. Dimond will delve into her latest book, We’re Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong, shedding light on a system she describes as “largely unregulated, ill-understood, and increasingly populated by financially motivated predators.”
Guardianship, a legal arrangement where a court appoints someone to make decisions for an incapacitated individual, can be a necessary safeguard. However, Dimond’s research, spanning over eight years, reveals a system rife with potential abuse. “It is a court system that has truly run amok,” Dimond states, “a system in which you or someone you love can be declared an ‘incapacitated ward-of-the-court’ and be automatically stripped of all civil rights.”
While the elderly are often associated with guardianship abuse, Dimond emphasizes that individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. “Many senior citizens I speak to are worried about what will happen to their disabled adult child after they pass away. The disabled are prime targets for predators operating within this system.”
Dimond, a seasoned journalist specializing in crime and justice issues, has an extensive career covering high-profile cases and authoring several books. Her September 24th event aims to educate adults, family members, and caregivers about the potential pitfalls of guardianship and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The event is free, but registration is recommended due to limited space. Copies of We’re Here to Help: When Guardianship Goes Wrong will be available for purchase.
