Connecticut Senate Bill SB00270

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Creating A Pilot Conservatorship Program For Persons With Mental Disabilities.

Impact

This bill is designed to amend Title 17b of the general statutes by introducing stronger support systems for mentally ill persons under conservatorship. By creating an ombudsman role and offering training for conservators, the bill aims to improve the management of conservatorships, which could enhance the quality of care for affected individuals. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for specialized support within the legal and social services sectors to safeguard the welfare of those with mental disabilities, potentially influencing future legislative approaches to mental health care.

Summary

SB00270, also known as the Act Creating A Pilot Conservatorship Program For Persons With Mental Disabilities, proposes the establishment of a new pilot program aimed at providing better support for individuals with mental disabilities through conservatorships. The bill includes provisions for the Department of Social Services to appoint a dedicated ombudsman who will assist conservators in identifying individuals in need of mental health support. Additionally, the Hartford Probate Court will carry out a training program for conservators to enhance their ability to manage the challenges associated with conservatorship for mentally ill individuals.

Contention

While the bill presents a structured approach to addressing the needs of mentally ill individuals through conservatorships, there may be points of contention regarding resource allocation and the effectiveness of the proposed training. There are concerns that the implementation of a pilot conservatorship program may not adequately cover the diverse needs of mentally disabled persons and that funding may be insufficient to support the comprehensive execution of training and assistance programs. Stakeholders may express differing opinions on the balance between legal oversight and the personal freedoms of individuals under conservatorship, raising questions about the efficacy and impact of such programs.