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Social–Sexual–Legal Rights: Trilogy of Reports Available

Spectrum Institute has produced a trilogy of reports on the social-sexual-marriage rights of adults with developmental disabilities.  The reports and related reference materials are part of Capacity to Love – a function of the Alternatives to Guardianship Project. Social Rights of Adults with Developmental Disabilities explains the legal basis for the rights that such adults have in connection with their social decisions, activities, and relationships. Sexual Rights: Legal Memo is a companion document to a bibliography on sexual rights, explains the legal basis for the freedom of intimate association guaranteed by the constitution to consenting adults, including those who have […]

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Overprotected but Unrepresented: An Argument for Mandatory Appointment of Counsel and Against Automatic General Conservatorships in California

We are pleased to share an article written by Maria Reyes Olmedo which was just published in the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review.  Maria served as an intern with Spectrum Institute during the summer of 2021.  Maria is scheduled to graduate and receive a law degree in May 2023.  The article is titled: “Overprotected but Unrepresented: An Argument for Mandatory Appointment of Counsel and Against Automatic General Appointment of Counsel and Against Automatic General Conservatorships in California Conservatorships in California.” The abstract of the article explains:  “Conservatorships are restrictive arrangements that must be reserved for people with severe intellectual […]

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Grand Jury Calls for Reforms in Conservatorship Legal Services

The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury issued a report on December 20, 2022, calling for reforms to the manner in which legal defense services are provided to adults with mental or developmental disabilities in probate conservatorship cases in that county. The report contains 13 recommendations on how the Public Defender’s Office can improve the quality of legal services in the 300 new petitions filed annually and for the 3,000 adults for whom that office is attorney of record in ongoing conservatorships. To read or download the report, titled “Conservatorships: A Case for Zealous Advocacy,” click here. The Santa Clara […]

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Doctoral Dissertation Proposes Conservatorship Reforms

Barbara Imle, member of the board of trustees of Spectrum Institute, submitted her doctoral dissertation on December 13, 2022. It is titled “‘The Call is Coming from Inside the House:’ Tracing Experiences in the Institutionally-Centered Process of Establishing Limited Conservatorships in California.” Imle is scheduled to receive a Ph.D. degree in Sociology from Portland State University in March 2023. The dissertation’s findings and recommendations are based on observations of 93 limited conservatorship proceedings, interviews of 16 individuals and professionals with experience in the conservatorship process or reform efforts, a survey of California’s 21 regional centers, and a review of policy reports […]

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ADA Educational Materials Sent to Missouri Courts

An annotated bibliography prepared by Spectrum Institute for the Alternatives to Guardianship Project was sent on December 1, 2022 to ADA Coordinators at the Supreme Court, State Courts Administrator, and circuit courts throughout the State of Missouri.  A copy was also sent to The Missouri Bar.  The document is titled “How the ADA Applies to Guardianship Proceedings: A Primer for Missouri’s Judges, Attorneys, and Guardians.”  The letter transmitting the document invites bench officers, administrators, and court staff to review current policies and practices in adult guardianship proceedings through the lens of what the Americans with Disabilities Act actually requires.  Another […]

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Alameda Post News Story: Probate Conservatorship Cries Out for Reform

The Alameda Post has published a story citing the grand jury report calling for major reforms to the way that conservatorship cases are processed by the local court.  The article credits Spectrum Institute for getting the grand jury to act and quotes its legal director on the need for major changes in legal defense services.  Local reform activist, Venus Gist, is quoted extensively in the article.  To listen to an interview of Andie Judson and Tom Coleman on the NPR radio station in Sacramento, click here and scroll down to “conservatorship investigation.”

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ABC10-Sacramento to Air Series on Conservatorship Abuses

Britney Spears’ legal battle to regain her freedom put conservatorships in the spotlight, but this legal tool impacts thousands of Californians, especially those with disabilities. Investigative reporter Andie Judson takes a look at limited conservatorships and the state agency failing the people it has promised to protect — adults with developmental disabilities. And what is funding this? Your tax dollars.  Season two of “Price of Care: Taken by the State” is an ABC10 Originals five-part investigation.  Spectrum Institute’s legal director Thomas F. Coleman and board member Barbara Imle were interviewed extensively by Andie Judson and will appear on screen during […]

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PROBATE CONSERVATORSHIP CRIES OUT FOR REFORM

In response to a request from Spectrum Institute arising from our 2021 report on legal defense services in probate conservatorship proceedings, the Alameda County Civil Grand Jury initiated an investigation into such legal services in that county. The grand jury’s annual report was released today.  A major section of it pertains to conservatorship legal defense services funded by Alameda County.  The grand jury found major deficiencies in the delivery of legal services by the Alameda County Department of Public Defender.  Several recommendations are made to correct these deficiencies.  One recommendation encourages the Board of Supervisors to consider removing this function […]

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