HOW TO CREATE A NEW GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM

Monica MitchellJudicial Staff CounselSan Bernardino Superior Court

STEP ONE

DETERMINE THE MODEL OF THE PROGRAM

STEP ONE: PICK A MODEL

Facilitation (passive, one on one) Direct (active, one on one) Workshop (group) Hybrid

STEP TWO MAKE FRIENDS

WITH THE PROBATE DEPARTMENT

STEP TWO: WORK WITH PROBATE

Court’s Probate Attorney Probate Clerks Probate Courtroom Clerks Probate Bench Officers Court Investigators

STEP THREE CREATE

MATERIALS FOR THE PROGRAM

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

“Operational Plan” Explains model of service Provides details re: expectations of how

program will work

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

Considerations for Operational Plan Target audience Marketing Physical location & supplies needed Intake procedures How services provided, staffed Closing procedures & record keeping

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

INTAKE MATERIALS FOR PROGRAM

Consent Form Sign In Sheets Self Help Packets

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

PROGRAM MATERIALS

Legal Information Forms Referral List Training Materials

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

HOW TO CREATEA TRAINING MANUAL

Attend guardianship hearing

Learn the legal requirements: Probate Code Cal. Rules of Court Local Rules

STEP THREE: MATERIALS

HOW TO CREATEA TRAINING MANUAL(continued)

Learn the forms: Judicial Council Local Forms

Learn the process Filing through

issuance of Letters

STEP FOUR INFORM EXISTING

SELF HELP PROVIDERS OF THE NEW PROGRAM

STEP FIVE

ACQUIRE & TRAIN STAFF

Volunteer Marketing

Training Time Limits

STEP SIX LIMITED INITIAL

MARKETING & OPENING OF PROGRAM

STEP SEVEN

ACHIEVING RESULTS IN THE REAL WORLD

STEP SEVEN: MAKING IT WORK

Estimated time for training staff: 10 hours to understand basic

guardianship law and practice 5 hours to understand the Petition and

Associated Forms (on top of base knowledge)

10 to 15 hours of training and observing to really understand service requirements and provide legal information

STEP SEVEN: MAKING IT WORK

Tweaking the Process Trial and error for 6 months or more to

learn best practices Improving flow of program (intake

through services rendered) Sustained communication with probate

staff to cement working relationship and obtain necessary feedback

Develop recruitment programs for staffing