Data elements for guardianship & conservatorship monitoring
Improving data collection for guardianship and conservatorship cases can assist courts in monitoring both their own performance and the performance of guardians and conservators, ultimately aiming to protect vulnerable individuals. This guide outlines recommended data elements and explains why collecting this information is critical for effective case management and oversight by state courts.
Who should read this?
- Judges and court/clerk staff: Understand how to capture accurate data for effective decision-making and monitoring
- Guardians and conservators: Understand the data that courts find important for monitoring
- Policymakers and researchers: Improve the guardianship process and protect vulnerable individuals
- Attorneys and advocates: Learn how to use this information to support efforts in guardianship and conservatorship cases
Why this guide matters
Courts must collect data on guardianship and conservatorship cases for several reasons, including effective case management, protection of vulnerable people, detection and prevention of fraud, system improvement, accountability, and data sharing. This guide details the necessary data elements and why they're important.
Additional resource
Key considerations
Track historical data
Courts must prioritize collecting specific data elements and maintaining historical records to reflect changes in case details and individual needs.
Ensure effective case management
Courts require comprehensive and reliable data to monitor case progress, ensure accountability, and protect the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Identify cases the court needs to monitor
Courts must be able to distinguish between cases with a guardianship or conservatorship petition pending, ones the court is monitoring post appointment, and those that are closed.
Courts need accurate and timely data to effectively monitor guardianships and conservatorships. State courts are responding, with multiple states making concerted efforts to improve data collection and monitoring. At this critical time, this report provides guidance on recommended data elements and the context for why collecting this information is crucial.
Diane Robinson
NCSC Principal Court Research Associate
