Board approves guardianship contract; staff clarifies background-check process

The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a contract for guardianship services with Clinton Brainard and heard a staff explanation of how background checks for proposed guardians are handled.

John (presenting) told commissioners the county starts the process of identifying potential guardians or conservators and provides candidates with packet materials to complete background checks, but that the county does not perform the checks itself. Instead, the court administration conducts the background check, the county attorney helps bring the petition to court, and a judge grants the guardianship or conservatorship.

John said the county would not submit a guardian who had not completed the court-administered background check because such a candidate would not pass court review. He also noted most contracts brought to the board cover long-term service providers the county has used for many years.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions; the presenter said the specific contract being approved has been in place with the provider since February 2007. He explained the county’s contracts run every two years and background checks are on a five-year cycle.

The board moved, seconded and approved the contract by voice vote. John reminded commissioners about a joint board of health meeting later in the day where housing cooperation with Fillmore County would be discussed.