THE PRICE OF CARE: INVESTIGATING CALIFORNIA CONSERVATORSHIPS

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Season 1, episode 1

Today, conservatorships are when another person is court-appointed to help someone who cannot take care of themselves. It’s a powerful position. When a conservator is appointed, they gain control over another person’s life – what they eat, who they see, where they live, what medical care they receive —all while handling their money and assets.

[AHE]

Season 1, episode 2

Isolation from family and friends, depletion of estates and a group of the same attorneys, conservators, medical providers and caregivers working together. These are a few of the patterns ABC10 investigative reporter Andie Judson found in her year-long investigation into California conservatorships including a Sacramento area family business – mother, son, and daughter – who control over a quarter billion dollars of other people’s assets combined.

[AHE]

Season 1, episode 3

This episode digs into how our probate court system works and narrows in on the happenings of the Sacramento County Probate Court, one that multiple insiders and experts have referred to as a “good old boys’ club” throughout ABC10’s year-long investigation. Many believe it’s a club that’s benefitting its members, particularly through loopholes that some believe are leading to corruption in conservatorships.

[AHE]

Season 1, episode 4

After abuse was exposed in California conservatorships, the state created the Professional Fiduciary Bureau under the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The PFB was set up to regulate “non-family member professional fiduciaries.”

But the state entity that was created to provide oversight and protect clients has never - once - issued a citation for abuse. Abuse that could be going under the radar, as the bureau only has one investigator to look into the hundreds of detailed complaints they receive.
Our investigation shines a light on the failure of a bureau that was set up to ensure the protection of fiduciary clients, many who are society’s most vulnerable.

[AHE]

Season 1, episode 5

This episode examines legislation that’s currently being debated within our state capitol to answer the question of how to prevent conservatorship abuse.