First African-American Guardian Case Study
Cook County’s First African-American Guardian is Stepping Down
Robert F. Harris, the first African-American public guardian in Cook County is finally stepping down after 26 years. He has been taking care of the residents for almost 14 years. Harris is saying goodbye to his old post to make way for his new career as a court judge in Cook County.
Harris will serve his old position until September 20 and will be sworn into his new office in September 21. According to Harris, he loved every minute working as a guardian. He was the apprentice of Judge Patrick Murphy, a public guardian who is known to defend the rights of abused kids.
Harris was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to assume the seat left by Judge Edward Washington in the
5th sub-circuit to who is retiring. The sub-circuit covers the Hyde Park, South Shore, Kenwood, Grand Crossing, and West Englewood.
According to Harris when Murphy was still public guardian, the people of Cook County did not really care about the laws that concerned the children and the old people. However, when it was his time to become a guardian, he was fortunate that people were more willing to listen. Harris often refers to himself as the guardian of the last resort.
Their office acts as the legal representation for abused children and those who are neglected by their parents. They also cater to minors who are in the middle of a messy divorce as well as disabled and elderly people.
Unfortunately, there is a rise in the exploitation of elderly people. Harris enters the picture when he is called by the Adult Protective Services, especially when there isn’t anyone who is willing to intervene from the family members. There is also the issue of abusing the elders where people who are supposed to work with senior members of the county are ripping them off and altering their property plans. Meanwhile, children have been stealing from their parents.
In the past few years, they have recovered a total of $50 million in stolen properties and assets. The public guardian’s office of Cook County sues the culprits and are able to retrieve the money stolen.
Harris explains that they really rely on the support of the public and the county government. The soon-to-be judge is proud of his achievements and that there is no scandal attached to his name during his entire tenure as public guardian.
Read the original story via Chicago Sun Times.
Robert F. Harris, the first African-American public guardian in Cook County is finally stepping down after 26 years. He has been taking care of the residents for almost 14 years. Harris is saying goodbye to his old post to make way for his new career as a court judge in Cook County.
Harris will serve his old position until September 20 and will be sworn into his new office in September 21. According to Harris, he loved every minute working as a guardian. He was the apprentice of Judge Patrick Murphy, a public guardian who is known to defend the rights of abused kids.
Harris was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to assume the seat left by Judge Edward Washington in the
5th sub-circuit to who is retiring. The sub-circuit covers the Hyde Park, South Shore, Kenwood, Grand Crossing, and West Englewood.
According to Harris when Murphy was still public guardian, the people of Cook County did not really care about the laws that concerned the children and the old people. However, when it was his time to become a guardian, he was fortunate that people were more willing to listen. Harris often refers to himself as the guardian of the last resort.
Their office acts as the legal representation for abused children and those who are neglected by their parents. They also cater to minors who are in the middle of a messy divorce as well as disabled and elderly people.
Unfortunately, there is a rise in the exploitation of elderly people. Harris enters the picture when he is called by the Adult Protective Services, especially when there isn’t anyone who is willing to intervene from the family members. There is also the issue of abusing the elders where people who are supposed to work with senior members of the county are ripping them off and altering their property plans. Meanwhile, children have been stealing from their parents.
In the past few years, they have recovered a total of $50 million in stolen properties and assets. The public guardian’s office of Cook County sues the culprits and are able to retrieve the money stolen.
Harris explains that they really rely on the support of the public and the county government. The soon-to-be judge is proud of his achievements and that there is no scandal attached to his name during his entire tenure as public guardian.
Read the original story via Chicago Sun Times.