Public Guardian

About

The Public Guardian is responsible for the care of individuals who are no longer able to make decisions or care for themselves. A conservatorship is a legal process where a 3rd party (conservator) is given the legal authority to manage the financial affairs and/or the care of another individual (conservatee). The Superior Court determines whether a person is unable to care for and make decisions for themselves and whether a conservatorship is appropriate. Once appointed by the court, the Public Guardian assumes personal and/or financial responsibilities for the care of the conservatee and their needs and assets.

The Office of the Public Guardian provides assistance in English and Spanish. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (530) 283-6242.

The Public Guardian oversees 2 types of conservatorships: Probate and Lanterman-Short-Petris (LPS).

Probate conservatorships are established for individuals who are unable to care for themselves or are subject to physical, mental, or financial abuse where no other alternative exists. Often, these individuals suffer from dementia, traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive impairments. 

LPS conservatorships are established for individuals who are mentally ill and who have also been deemed gravely disabled or are a danger to themselves or others. 

LPS Program 

An LPS conservatorship of the person and estate may be established for any person who is deemed "gravely disabled" as a result of a mental health disorder. Being gravely disabled means that the individual in question is no longer able to provide for their own food, clothing, or shelter because of a mental health disorder.

LPS referrals can only be accepted from designated mental health facilities.

Upon acceptance of a referral, an investigation will be completed to ascertain whether a conservatorship is appropriate. A temporary conservatorship may be requested to continue the investigation and determine the need for the continued conservatorship. At this time, the Public Guardian's office also determines whether third-party assistance can be provided, a viable alternative to conservatorship exists, or if there is someone who is able and willing to act as conservator other than the Public Guardian.

The Public Guardian is deemed as the "conservator of last resort", meaning that all other viable alternatives need to be considered before the Public Guardian is granted the Conservatorship of an individual.

Probate Program

A probate conservatorship of the person and estate may be established for individuals who can no longer care for themselves. Often, the inability to care for oneself comes from the symptoms of dementia, a traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive impairments.

The Probate unit responds to referrals from Adult Protective Services (APS), local law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, the community, and the Superior Court to investigate information received on individuals who are unable to provide for their own basic needs of physical health, food, clothing and shelter and who are at risk of either self-neglect, undue influence by others, or whose property is subject to loss, theft, waste or misappropriation.

Upon acceptance of a referral, an investigation will be completed to ascertain whether a conservatorship is appropriate.

The Public Guardian is deemed as the "conservator of last resort", meaning that all other viable alternatives need to be considered before the Public Guardian is granted the Conservatorship of an individual.

Conservatorship is a lengthy legal process and is not intended for immediate emergency intervention. IF THERE IS A CONCERN REGARDING AN ELDER OR DEPENDENT ADULT, please contact the Adult Protective Services office at 1-800-242-3338 (Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM).

Public Guardian Referrals

When there is a need for a conservator, the Public Guardian is the last resort and only becomes involved when there are no family members or others willing and/or able to become the conservator. If you believe that an individual needs to be referred to the Public Guardian, please complete this form and provide it in person or via email to pgpcreferrals@countyofplumas.com.

Referral Form

Resources

Plumas County Court Website
Probate Referee Guide
Conservatorship Handbook
Judicial Council Forms
Recording: Mental Health Conservatorship Reappointment Workshop for Private LPS Conservators