The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny

The #FreeBritney movement has put the immense power that court-ordered guardians have over their wards in the spotlight and sounded alarms about the potential for conservatorship and guardianship abuse. 

The concern is especially salient given the aging of the American population. Elders may be especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation due to social isolation or mental impairment.

Now, calls for change are building.

Guest host Chris Farrell spoke with two experts on guardianship about how the system works, what reforms are necessary and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of exploitation. 

Guests: 

• Pamela Teaster is a professor of human development and family science at Virginia Tech and director of the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology

• Marit Peterson is associate director of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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