Bismarck, N.D. — In a move that strengthens family protection and upholds individual liberty, North Dakota’s newly created Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship (OGC) began operations on April 1. Within its first months the office has fielded more than 80 referrals, signaling strong community demand for a dedicated watchdog.
Why the agency matters
Director Rachel Sinness explained that the OGC fills a gap left by the previous court‑monitoring program, which only accepted referrals from judges. “We also take those from the public and other agencies,” Sinness said. “If a family member is concerned a guardian is exploiting a loved one, that individual can also call our office and ask that we take up an investigation.” This one‑stop‑shop approach gives families, faith‑based groups, and concerned citizens a clear path to protect their loved ones.
Independent oversight for guardians and conservators
Unlike most states, where guardianship oversight sits inside a larger health or judicial department, North Dakota’s OGC operates independently. The six‑person team includes a legal director, two guardianship case monitors, a fiscal officer, and an administrative assistant. They work closely with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation under the Attorney General’s office on cases that require deeper scrutiny.
Guardians and conservators are already required to file an annual report with the court. When judges spot discrepancies, they can now refer the case directly to the OGC for review, adding an extra layer of accountability.
Early successes and next steps
Most of the early referrals involve relatively minor paperwork issues—such as a missing line item on an annual report—but the OGC has acted swiftly. Several cases resulted in recommendations to the district courts where the guardianships originated, and a few have been forwarded to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for further examination.
Sinness, who joined the role in November 2025 after serving as an assistant attorney general focused on higher education, said the office’s mission is to ensure that protected individuals retain autonomy and basic rights. “We’re available by telephone for any questions pertaining to guardianship and conservatorship whatsoever,” she added.
Looking ahead
For now, the OGC operates out of the 14th floor of the State Capitol, but plans are already in place to relocate to the historic Liberty Memorial Building. The agency’s establishment was authorized by Senate Bill 2029 during the 2025 legislative session, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the need for stronger oversight.
North Dakota families now have a dedicated resource to safeguard vulnerable adults, reinforcing the state’s commitment to personal responsibility, family integrity, and the protection of individual liberty.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
