Legal Services Development Bureau

Peggy Jeffers, Interim Contact, 505-476-4924

Click on the link above to email Ms. Jeffers

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This Bureau provides advocacy and legal representation to assist older adults with greatest economic or social needs in securing and maintaining government benefits, housing, health care, basic human rights, consumer protection and domestic relation protection. Contractors provide statewide services that range from brief telephone consultation to more intensive personal contacts, including in-home visits under certain circumstances, and legal representation in judicial and administrative settings.

Coordination of care is provided through linkages with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, Benefits Counseling Bureau, Prescription Drug Assistance Bureau and the Department’s Adult Protective Services Division. The Department funds the NM Bar Association to operate a hotline and coordinate a pro-bono panel of attorneys to provide legal services to older adults, statewide.

Objectives

• Expand access to legal services through provider outreach, including at NM Bar Association regional meetings, intradivisional contacts (HIBAC, APS, Ombudsman), continuing legal education venues, and community attorney associations.

• Participate in Adult Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Section development as Steering Committee member.

• Provide systemic advocacy in the areas of consumer protection, health care, and housing.