CLAY COUNTY – The Clay County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller office and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday, Sept. 8, they will join the State Attorney’s Office and other jurisdictions to create a Guardianship Task Force to find, investigate and prosecute any guardian that harms vulnerable victims.

In making the announcement at the Old Clay County Courthouse, Clerk Tara Green said those who suspect elderly, incapacitated or a child is being abused have too often either stayed quiet or was confused whether to call the clerk’s or the sheriff’s office.

The Guardianship Task Force will bring everything under one roof. She also emphasized the need for possible cases of abuse to be reported.

“Through our Clay County court system, hundreds of children and vulnerable adults receive services through court appointed guardians by Florida statute,” she said. “Guardians can be family members, court appointed professionals or members of the public approved by the state. The audits we conduct focuses especially on their physical well-being. [We] conduct financial, as well as financial accounts, and the status of their assets. When guardianships are done legally and with compassion, which is the situation in most cases, these vulnerable adults and children are properly cared for. Their finances and assets are protected.”

When it’s not done legally, children are abandoned or abused, and elderly have their bank accounts drained.

“We know the vast majority of guardians in our community are doing it the right way, but there are bad actors, and we must act,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said.

“We want our community to focus on three things in regards to guardianship. No. 1, educate, perspective, guardians or family members looking to hire or employ a prospective guardian, please educate yourself on the role that you want that person to have before they accept it. What are their responsibilities? What is their authority? What are their limitations?

“We want our citizens to report any suspicious activity, especially if you believe a guardian is acting inappropriately or exploiting somebody in their care.

“And finally, we need to prevent abuse, prevent neglect and prevent exploitation by staying informed and speaking up. While these are complex cases, we want to make sure everyone knows we will be watching. And if you're taking advantage of someone, you have guardianship over someone, you will be held accountable.”

The Clerk’s Office has a new webpage at clayclerk.com. Listed under the Guardianship tab are telephone numbers to report suspected cases of abuse, including numbers to the sheriff’s office, Green Cove and Orange Park police departments, Florida Department of Children and Families and Office of Public and Professional Guardians. There is also information flyers for obtaining a Vulnerable Adult Injunction or becoming a guardian.

For some, the information comes too late, Green said.

“Clerk guardianship auditors uncovered a case last year involving an individual who inherited a large amount of money that was depleted by her guardian,” she said. “Hundreds and thousands of dollars gone.

“Our auditors also recently found the exploitation of one successful elderly woman who was left abandoned without any personal effects, and whose bank account was depleted. Her monthly pension was completely taken and her property sold.

“She was left destitute, all while her medical bills went unpaid, defrauding a local care facility. This harmful activity was committed by a family member who was taking care of her at the time.”

Both said if someone suspects somebody is in immediate danger or being physically abused or neglected to call 911.

Green said by consolidating investigative efforts, law enforcement agencies can better protect those who are vulnerable.

“This allows us to better share information, identify criminal activity, investigate allegations and ensure that all cases involving vulnerable victims receive the attention they deserve,” she said.