Public Guardian and Trustee of BC - Assessment and Investigation Services

Provided by: Ministry of Attorney General

Service Description

Responds to all requests for the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC to act as a substitute decision maker for a vulnerable adult. Investigates if there are concerns about the actions of a substitute decision maker, or there appears to be a need for a decision maker, and if there is risk of harm to the adult's assets, reason to believe the adult is not capable of managing his or her financial or legal affairs, and no other suitable person has the authority or is willing and able to act on the individual's behalf. Consults on complex risk situations involving abuse, neglect or self-neglect of vulnerable adults. Reports of suspected adult abuse or neglect can be made to the Public Guardian in the case of financial abuse. Other situations of suspected abuse or neglect (non-financial abuse) should be reported to the Designated Agency Responders. In BC the designated responders are the five regional health authorities, Providence Health Care, and for adults with a developmental disability, Community Living BC; see independent listings. Also provides support and assistance for abused and neglected adults who are unable to get help on their own because of physical restraint, physical disability, or an illness, injury or other condition that affects their ability to make decisions about the abuse or neglect. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

Service Location