BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota has officially opened a new state agency dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults and their families, state officials announced. The Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship is now open and fully staffed. This new entity is poised to provide crucial services and oversight for disabled and aging adults under guardianship or conservatorship orders, directly impacting residents of Burleigh and Morton counties who may require or provide such care.
Lawmakers created this essential agency under Senate Bill 2029, which was passed during the 2025 session of the 69th Legislative Assembly. The legislative intent behind its establishment was to form an independent entity with a singular focus on guardianship and conservatorship services. This legislative action reflects a commitment to enhancing the support systems available for the state's most vulnerable populations, ensuring their well-being and proper oversight.
The Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship has also completed its staffing. An operations committee hired Executive Director Rachel Sinness in November 2025 to lead the new office. The rest of the staff was brought on board earlier this year, completing the team necessary to begin full operations and fulfill the agency's mandate. This full staffing ensures that the office is prepared to address the needs of families and individuals from its inception.
The office provides a range of specific services designed to assist both those under care and those providing it. Among its key offerings is Guardianship Establishment funding, which helps facilitate the formal process of establishing guardianship. Additionally, it provides Public Administrator Support Services funding, extending financial aid where needed for public administrators managing conservatorships. A vital function of the new office is its role in investigations. It will investigate misconduct and abuse that may involve disabled and aging adults who are currently under a guardianship or conservatorship order, offering an important layer of protection.
Officials with the new agency emphasized its anticipated benefits for North Dakota families. The office is expected to standardize funding reimbursement processes for guardians and conservators, creating a more consistent and predictable system for those managing the care of vulnerable individuals. Beyond financial administration, the office will also serve as a centralized hub, offering essential support, comprehensive education, and valuable resources for families navigating the complexities of guardianship and conservatorship. These services are designed to empower families and ensure that vulnerable adults receive the best possible care and protection.
To further disseminate information and provide accessible resources, the agency has launched a new website. This online platform is intended to offer additional details and guidance for families, guardians, and conservators across North Dakota, including those residing in Bismarck and Mandan. The website will serve as a primary point of contact and information, making the agency's services more readily available to the public.
