News & Events

October 22, 2024

DDC Urges Lawmakers to Increase Funding to Address Guardianship Wait List

New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council Urges Lawmakers to Increase Funding to Address Record Waitlist for Guardianship Services and Expand Less Restrictive Alternatives

ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council (NMDDC) is requesting $1.15 million in additional funding to address a record high waitlist for guardianship services for people with disabilities who lack capacity to make critical, life-saving decisions.

“When the Office of Guardianship is underfunded, New Mexicans with disabilities pay the price,” said Alice Liu McCoy, NMDDC Executive Director. “Reducing wait times for guardianship services and expanding alternatives that maximize independence for people with disabilities is critical to the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable people in our state. New Mexico must act with urgency to fund these services at the level required to meet this challenge.”

Currently, NMDDC’s Office of Guardianship provides professional guardianship services for 1,072 New Mexicans with disabilities, helping them navigate essential aspects of life, such as healthcare, housing and financial management. However, the system is overwhelmed. Despite lawmakers’ past expressions of concern, the Council’s 2024 budget request was only 8% funded, leaving nearly 300 individuals waiting for guardianship services. Without further action, that number is projected to surge to over 500 by 2026.

In the last year, NMDDC made strides to reduce the wait list to 125 applicants and decreased the wait from nine months to six. As more people are applying for services than ever before, without proper funding NMDCC risks falling further behind in providing these essential services.

“It is imperative that the Office of Guardianship receive ample funding to ensure that vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation are provided appropriate guardianship services when needed in order to protect them,” said ALTSD Deputy Secretary Antoinette Vigil. “The Office of Guardianship’s lack of funding directly affects other state services such as APS, CYFD, hospitals, and more.”

In addition to guardianship services, NMDDC is requesting funds to expand alternatives to guardianship, such as Supported Decision-Making (SDM), a tool that empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with help from trusted supporters. While the SDM bill introduced last year didn’t pass the committee process, NMDDC is working to reintroduce the bill in 2025 and is actively educating the community about its benefits.

“Supported Decision-Making allows individuals to retain control over their lives while receiving the assistance they need,” said Liu McCoy. “Not only does it promote greater independence for people with disabilities, but it also helps reduce the guardianship waitlist.”

The Legislative Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss NMDDC’s budget request tomorrow, Oct. 23, sometime after 2:45 p.m. NMDDC will also present to the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 23. Both sessions can be viewed via the legislative webcast.

NMDDC Press Contact: Katie Hoeppner, katie@neonvine.us (845) 216-8700

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