The struggle between professionals and family members over what happens when a loved one loses the capacity to take care of himself was accurately described in Jennifer Jacobs' article about Bob Queener, "When Should the State Step In?" (April 18 Des Moines Sunday Register). The problem with the article, however, is that while it accurately described one case, it does not give a proper overview of the workings of the system used to help incapacitated citizens.
First, let me say that while I have no inside knowledge of the Queener case, I do, as a regular part of my practice, represent people - usually through court appointment - who are the subject of an inquiry by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) and know personally many of the individuals involved in that case. To understand how these cases are handled, a short overview of the procedure is in order.
Full Editorial and Source:
When the Elderly Can't Take Care of Themselves
See Also:
When Should the State Step In?
3 comments:
It's apparent this was written by one who makes a living off the vulnerable! He mentions abuse, neglect & exploitation by family but, in reading the full article, I see no where that he mentions the fact that people's lives & estates are being stolen every day by perfect strangers! These strangers often come in the form of; guardian ad litems, attorneys, professional guardians, court appointed guardians, fiduciaries, judges, etc. Just as a street gang operates so do these "white collar" professionals! When they work as a team your loved one doesn't have a chance. Remember, they have "no voice" after being incapaciated. Their voice comes from the mouth of liars who speak the same words as this author!
Sounds like someone's trying to make a smoke screen!
Agree. It's a spin job for sure.
There's no way DHS can rationalize what they did to Mr. Queener.
Instead of trying to spin the story, they should be standing there with bowed heads -- apologizing.
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