New Mexico State Auditor And Supreme Court Justice Issue Statement On Guardianship And Conservatorship Report

State Auditor Brian S. Colón

ALBUQUERQUE — State Auditor Brian S. Colón with Supreme Court Justice Shannon Bacon, Thursday, shared the results of the pilot project for review of guardianship and conservatorship cases filed in District Courts. 

The report comes as a result of an agreement entered into between the Office of the State Auditor and the Administrative Office of the Courts for audit, review, and compliance of guardians and conservators.

The Office of the State Auditor was engaged to independently identify risk factors and provide recommendations pertaining to guardianship and conservatorship of protected persons. 

Tasked with safeguarding New Mexico’s taxpayers, the Office of the State Auditor, through the Guardianship and Conservatorship Division, is a mechanism for greater protections through accountability and transparency for guardians and conservators who have duties to some of New Mexico’s most vulnerable populations. 

“For New Mexico’s protected persons, whose needs cross multiple systems, this work will lead to an avalanche of positive change for our most vulnerable citizens,” Auditor Colón said. “Our work identified risks that will allow state officials and the legislature to act on opportunities for increased support in providing more coordinated care and services to New Mexicans.” 

The primary goal for the Administrative Office of the Courts is to create a robust, in-depth examination of guardianships and conservatorships through partnership with Office of the State Auditor.

“After a herculean effort to draft court rules and forms, the Court’s efforts are now returning to robust education of the parties and public regarding the resources available to them,” Justice Bacon said. 

Part of that education is releasing 10 training videos for the public on everything from filing a grievance to submitting annual reports, and continuing to train employees and judges on new rules of the law. 

“Today I am filled with hope about adult guardian and conservatorship cases and that we will do right by all New Mexicans in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.” Justice Bacon said.

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New Mexico State Auditor And Supreme Court Justice Issue Statement On Guardianship And Conservatorship Report

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