HOW TO CREATE A NEW GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM Monica Mitchell Judicial Staff Counsel San 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 CREATE A TRAINING MANUAL Attend guardianship hearing Learn the legal requirements: Probate Code Cal. Rules of Court Local Rules

STEP THREE: MATERIALS HOW TO CREATE A 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