The use of conservatorships is a controversial issue in treating mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. In "Conservatorship" Alex Barnard examines California's system, revealing that the government has lost control, leaving care to for-profit facilities, under-resourced clinicians, and families. The book advises against expanding conservatorships, warning of more coercion and less transformative care unless the government takes accountability for the health and dignity of its citizens.