SANTA FE – The Supreme Court’s Guardianship Reform Implementation Steering Committee has developed a video orientation program for proposed guardians and conservators, who under a newly approved judicial rule must view the series of educational videos before their appointment by a judge.

The Court issued an order today approving the rule and requiring the guardianship and conservator orientation for cases filed on or after Feb. 1.

“Providing a video orientation program for guardians and conservators will help promote and protect the well-being of New Mexicans unable to manage their own affairs,” said Supreme Court Justice C. Shannon Bacon. “These informational videos will ensure that those serving in this important role understand their duties and responsibilities under the law.”

The steering committee used money appropriated by the Legislature for guardianship reforms to produce a series of 10 videos, which cover topics from completing reports required of guardians and conservators to procedures for filing a grievance and how to identify and report potential abuse of vulnerable New Mexicans. The videos range from about five minutes to 12 minutes in length, and can be viewed online on the New Mexico Courts webpage.

Court-appointed guardians make personal and health care decisions for individuals who are incapacitated. Conservators are appointed by a district court to manage the finances and possibly the property of an incapacitated person, including those who may have dementia, traumatic brain injuries, a developmental disability or mental illness.

“The orientation program builds on reforms enacted by the Legislature in recent years for improving New Mexico’s adult guardianship system,” said Second Judicial District Judge Nancy Franchini, who chairs the steering committee, which has representatives from all branches of state government.

 “The videos help explain complex legal obligations in  a simple way that will benefit guardians and conservators whether they are a family member of the protected person or someone who performs this work as a profession,” said Judge Franchini.