K.S.A. § 59-30,201 — KS Code / Chapter 59 / Article 30 / Section 59-30,201
59-30,201 - Appointment and role of court liaison.
Status: in_force

59-30,201. Appointment and role of court liaison. (a) On filing of a petition under K.S.A. 59-30,196, and amendments thereto, for a protective arrangement instead of guardianship, the court may appoint a court liaison. The court liaison must be an individual with training or experience in the type of abilities, limitations and needs alleged in the petition.

(b) On filing of a petition under K.S.A. 59-30,196, and amendments thereto, for a protective arrangement instead of conservatorship for a minor, the court may appoint a court liaison to investigate a matter related to the petition or inform the minor or a parent of the minor about the petition or a related matter.

(c) On filing of a petition under K.S.A. 59-30,196, and amendments thereto, for a protective arrangement instead of conservatorship for an adult, the court may appoint a court liaison. The court liaison must be an individual with training or experience in the types of abilities, limitations and needs alleged in the petition.

(d) A court liaison appointed under subsection (a) or (c) shall interview the respondent in person and in a manner the respondent is best able to understand:

(1) Explain, in general, the petition, and the nature and purpose of the proceeding including the potential loss of rights as a result of the proceeding;

(2) obtain the respondent's views with respect to the order sought;

(3) if the petitioner seeks an order related to the dwelling of the respondent, visit the respondent's present dwelling and any dwelling in which it is reasonably believed the respondent will live if the order is granted;

(4) if a protective arrangement instead of guardianship is sought, obtain information from any physician or other provider known to have treated, advised or assessed the respondent's relevant physical or mental condition, to the extent that such information has not already been provided to the court;

(5) if a protective arrangement instead of conservatorship is sought, review financial records of the respondent, if relevant to the court liaison's recommendation under subsection (e)(2); and

(6) investigate the allegations in the petition and any other matter relating to the petition as directed by the court, including, but not limited to, the respondent's family relationships, past conduct, the nature and extent of any property or income of the respondent, whether the respondent is likely to injure self or others and other matters as the court may specify.

(e) A court liaison under this section promptly shall file a report with the court at least 10 days prior to the hearing on the petition or other hearing as directed by the court. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, such report must include:

(1) To the extent relevant to the order sought, a summary of self-care, independent-living tasks and financial-management tasks the respondent:

(A) Can manage without assistance or with existing supports;

(B) could manage with the assistance of appropriate supportive services, technological assistance or supported decision making; and

(C) cannot manage;

(2) a recommendation regarding the appropriateness of the protective arrangement sought and whether a less restrictive alternative for meeting the respondent's needs is available;

(3) if the petition seeks to change the physical location of the dwelling of the respondent, a statement whether the proposed dwelling meets the respondent's needs and whether the respondent has expressed a preference as to the respondent's dwelling;

(4) a statement whether the respondent is able to attend a hearing at the location court proceedings typically are held;

(5) a statement whether the respondent is able to participate in a hearing and which identifies any technology or other form of support that would enhance the respondent's ability to participate; and

(6) any other matter the court directs.

(f) The costs of an investigation by a court liaison shall be assessed as provided for in K.S.A. 59-30,119, and amendments thereto.