Authority to Act

While capable adults may choose to remain in abusive relationships, Designated Agencies have a duty to protect adults who are not able to seek support and assistance.

Clinicians who are Designated Responders have the additional authority to use legal tools under the Adult Guardianship Act in situations where less intrusive measures are not effective or feasible.

The most powerful tool in the Adult Guardianship Act is the mandate.

That mandate gives us the authority to act. The tools and authority may be very intrusive and can interfere with peoples’ basic rights to privacy, to make financial and legal decisions, or to live in a manner and with whom they choose.