New Jersey Statutes 52:27G-32. Findings, declarations relative to elderly, incapacitated adults
Terms Used In New Jersey Statutes 52:27G-32
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- population: when used in any statute, shall be taken to mean the population as shown by the latest Federal census effective within this State, and shall be construed as synonymous with "inhabitants. See New Jersey Statutes 1:1-2
- State: extends to and includes any State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia and the Canal Zone. See New Jersey Statutes 1:1-2
a. As the elderly and other incapacitated adult populations in the State continue to grow, the need for an increasing number of qualified individuals to be available to serve as court-appointed guardians for this population increases;
b. New Jersey has established the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults to perform guardian services for adults age 60 years or older who do not have family or friends willing or able to furnish guardian services. The registration of professional guardians, to be available when family, friends or the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults are unable to act, will enhance the quality of care given to vulnerable adults;
c. To the extent that many elderly and other incapacitated adults in the State do not have family or friends available to serve as guardians, it is prudent, after giving first consideration for guardianship of elderly adults to the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults, or when that office is not available, to develop other qualified individuals who can serve as professional guardians; and
d. The establishment of standards for professional guardians will help protect adults who are adjudicated mentally incapacitated and need guardianship services.
L.2005,c.370,s.1.