California and the Nat’l Center on Elder Abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse
The following are emails exchanged between AAAPG and the National Center on Elder Abuse about predatory guardianships.
From: Richard Black
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 6:37 AM
To: National Center on Elder Abuse
Cc: Kathy Greenlee; Dr Sam Sugar; Spectrum Institute; Laura Mosqueda MD; Dr. Debra Whitman
Subject: Guardian Stories for Guardians by the National Center on Elder Abuse
I applaud the story of guardian Ann Gugger you recently published on the National Center on Elder Abuse website. Sadly this story, and most like it, defines the exceptions in guardianship and in a public forum only serves to disarm the uninformed seeking to educate themselves about guardianships.
Attached are stories of rampant fraudulent guardianships and guardianship abuses across the U.S., including many in your state of California. I have attempted dozens of times, without success, to speak with Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Assoc Dean of USC School of Gerontology, Chair of the Dept. of Family Medicine, and Director of the NCEA. She has refused to admit issues or engage with AAAPG on this topic.
USC’s School of Medicine has a unique platform in conjunction with the NCEA to elevate this issue to the national public conscience and demand local probate and family court reforms to insure the protection and care of vulnerable adults conscripted into involuntary guardianships.
An endorsement of U.S. Senate Bill 178, co sponsored by California Senator Diane Feinstein, would be an easy step to take. If passed it would be the first federal oversight law specifically addressing guardianships. I hope I can count on NCEA’s support in demanding reforms versus further mollifying the masses…and aiding the predators.
I look forward to speaking with you in this important topic. It is time to recognize the available evidence, intentionally educate the public with the facts and start demanding judicial reforms from our elected officials.
Rick Black
National Intake Director
Americans Against Abusive Probate Guardianship (AAAPG.net)
Date: March 2, 2017 at 11:51:33 AM MST
To: Richard Black
Subject: RE: Guardian Stories for Guardians by the National Center on Elder Abuse
Dear Mr. Black,
Thank you so much for providing information concerning your efforts to advance and hold accountable the guardianship system. It is important for us to receive feedback such as this as we continue to monitor the difficulties and successes.
The NCEA is not allowed to endorse particular legislation. [emphasis added] We believe an informed public can better understand their own rights within the system and are working with the American Bar Association to provide the public with guidelines, information and guardianship standards.
We appreciate your advocacy on this important issue.
Take care,
Julie
Julie Schoen, JD
NCEA Deputy Director
