§ 52:27G-32 — Findings, declarations relative to elderly, incapacitated adults.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. As the elderly and other incapacitated adult populations in the State continue to grow, the need for an increasing number of qualified individuals to be available to serve as court-appointed guardians for this population increases; b. New Jersey has established the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults to perform guardian services for adults age 60 years or older who do not have family or friends willing or able to furnish guardian services. The registration of professional guardians, to be available when family, friends or the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults are unable to act, will enhance the quality of care given to vulnerable adults; c. To the extent that many elderly and other incapacitated adults in the State do not have family or friends available to serve as guardians, it is prudent, after giving first consideration for guardianship of elderly adults to the Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults, or when that office is not available, to develop other qualified individuals who can serve as professional guardians; and d. The establishment of standards for professional guardians will help protect adults who are adjudicated mentally incapacitated and need guardianship services. L.2005,c.370,s.1.