Public Administrator Joy Williams
What does the county Public Administrator do?The Public Administrator manages private property that has no suitable care person, such as property of orphaned children with no guardian, or property of individuals who die without family or will, or those declared incompetent. The Public Administrator's office is responsible for decisions regarding placement, medical consents, educational/habilitation plans, finances and the general health and safety of each person, or ward, whose care is entrusted to this office by the Probate Court. The Public Administrator's duties are to care for those individuals that, unfortunately, no one else can or will. Their actions are reviewed by Associate Courts and their judges, but there are state laws (Medicaid, Statutes), federal laws (Social Security, Medicare), and various other agencies that are there to maintain a presence in the welfare of the incapacitated individual. Missouri County Public Administrators have duties required by chapters 473-475 RSMo. Duties specified by RSMo 475.120 are discretionary. In all except three of Missouri's 114 counties, Public Administrators are elected to serve four-year terms. The counties of Jackson, St. Louis and St. Charles have the charter form of government and those Public Administrators are appointed by the Circuit Judges. All Public Administrator offices in the State of Missouri are "fee offices" meaning that fees are charged for services (usually based upon the time invested by the office and upon the client's ability to pay). Fees must be approved by court order. Mission The office of the Public Administrator holds a unique role in caring for those in our county who are unable to care for themselves. Our clients are incapacitated or disabled in a way that renders them unable to make their own decisions for their welfare and finances. These individuals become wards of our county, under the supervision of the Newton County Probate Court, and the Public Administrator has the solemn duty as their Guardian to care for their every need. I am often humbled by the thought that we, as a community, truly care for those in our county who are in desperate need. Case Load The Newton County Public Administrator's Office presently carries an open case load of around 300. Most of the wards of the Public Administrator are mentally ill, mentally challenged and frail elderly individuals While most clients reside in Southwest Missouri, some (for various reasons) live in other areas of the State and in several other states, as well. Of the some 300 ward/protectees under guardian and/or conservatorship, approximately 75% have mental illnesses. Appointments Public Administrators are appointed by the Missouri Circuit Court, Probate Division, to serve primarily on three types of cases: 1. Guardian and/or conservator for mentally disabled persons 2. Personal representative of deceased persons 3. As conservator of minor estates However, the majority of appointments in any Public Administrator's office will be as guardian/conservator for mentally disabled persons. Authority The authority and obligations of the Public Administrator are created by Missouri Statute 473.430, RSMo et seq. RSMo 473.743 sets forth the kind and category of cases and estates which the Public Administrator shall assume, including decedent estates, minor's estates and the estates of persons who are disabled and incapacitated. Staff The staff includes four paid employees who work at the pleasure of the Public Administrator. They perform such duties in her place as outlined in each individual job description such as accounting, clerical, reception and maintenance duties. This is especially important since the Public Administrator or one of her deputies must be on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Responsibilities of the Public Administrator
ResourcesMedicare
Social Security National Institute of Health and Aging ACL Administration for Community Living Administration on Aging Care Planners Benefits.gov National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Mental Health - MO.gov MO Healthnet (Medicaid) - for People with Disabilities Contact InformationHours: 8 a.m - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday (except holidays) 417-451-8271 Office 417-451-8371 FAX 101 S. Wood St. Neosho, MO 64850 publicadmin@newtoncountymo.gov |
