A group of independent professionals, the “Volunteer Task Force,” reviewed the Guardianship and Conservatorship process in Davidson County. The Volunteer Task Force compared the local process with models from other jurisdictions, identified needs and made specific recommendations for how the process could be improved upon. Based upon the recommendations of the Volunteer Task Force and former Metropolitan Mayor Karl Dean, the proposed office was created by the Metropolitan Council. The official name of the office is the “Office of Conservatorship Management,” which was decided to be the most accurate and appropriate title, based upon the recommended functions and goals proposed by the Volunteer Task Force, Mayor Dean, and the Metropolitan Council. The Office of Conservatorship Management was created as a division of the Metropolitan State Trial Courts Department.
Some of the paramount goals of this Office, as the needs were identified by the Volunteer Task Force, are to review the care and management provided by Guardians and Conservators to help provide for the health, safety, and welfare of individuals under a Guardianship or Conservatorship; add an additional layer of review of the management of the assets by Guardians and Conservators; help provide or direct to resources that are available to promote successful conservatorships; and educate Conservators, Guardians, and the general public about Guardianships and Conservatorships in Davidson County. These goals are pursued through an active staff working in concert with other Metro departments, organizations and agencies, knowledgeable professionals, and organized volunteers. Through these efforts, the Office of Conservatorship Management helps to encourage the responsible, ethical, and appropriate management and treatment of individuals under a Guardianship or Conservatorship within Davidson County.
As a part of this process, the Metropolitan Government departments of Social Services and State Trial Courts entered into a partnership to provide home visit services. In addition to an assessment of health, safety, and welfare, Social Services also help to identify and refer Guardians and Conservators to resources available, based upon the needs and circumstances of each.
Individuals under a Guardianship or Conservatorship receive home visits from Social Services and the estates of each receive financial review.