New Mexico Family Guardianship Conservatorship Coalition.
One common thread in all three bills is that the “family voice” was not consulted when legislators crafted these three bills. Various state agencies responded with their comments in the bill analysis; however, the New Mexico Family Guardianship Conservatorship Coalition8 (NMFGC Coalition) as well as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) were not given the opportunity to contribute ideas and valuable information in the crafting of these bills.
In 2021 a year-long Task Force was created to research “Best Practices” regarding Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to court-appointed guardianship. The Task Force had no family members from NMFG Coalition or NAMI present to contribute to the development of SB 89. Many of our Coalition members have experienced horrific events within the current guardianship system that legislators must learn about. The Coalition and NAMI could have shared valuable research information regarding “Best Practices” for Supported Decision-Making.
Alice Liu McCoy, Executive Director of the DDC-OOG, has been a champion advocating for the vulnerable individuals in New Mexico. We commend her for her dedication to helping those individuals who are vulnerable. We continue to request that a few “family members” from our Coalition and NAMI be present at the “decision making” table when any future committees are formed to create new rules and legislation for all vulnerable New Mexicans.
The WINGS Committee created by the Supreme Court as a result of HB 234 is another place where the “family voice” is not utilized in any decision-making regarding vulnerable New Mexicans. Yes, they allow the public to submit written comments; however, the questions asked in the written comments are never answered. Public comments are also allowed via a Zoom call; however, there's no feedback from any members of the WINGS Committee. According to the WINGS Coordinator, the WINGS Committee is not bound to answer questions or provide feedback to the public.
The “family voice” must be included
in any crafting of bills related to vulnerable adults. Families know
and understand the needs, wants, hopes, and dreams of the vulnerable
adult. Families are aware of medical and personal information. The
family unit is critical in providing information on experiences within
the court system.
Full Article & Source:
'Family voice' needed in crafting of vulnerable adult legislation
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