The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) announced that House Joint Resolution 5 has advanced, despite concerns from child welfare experts and officials regarding its potential negative impact. The announcement was made in a press release on February 21, 2025.
According to the CYFD's press release, House Joint Resolution 5 proposes replacing the cabinet-level CYFD with an appointed commission. The department notes that Kevin S. settlement co-neutrals Judith Meltzer and Kevin Ryan have raised concerns about the resolution, stating that child welfare reforms in other states have moved away from commission-based governance. They emphasize that having the agency report directly to a governor is crucial for implementing reforms. Additionally, CYFD indicates that some opponents of the resolution cite a lack of framework for managing federal grants, legal obligations, and agency partnerships, with a rapid transition potentially affecting compliance and funding.
According to the New Mexico Legislature, House Joint Resolution 5 proposes an amendment to the New Mexico Constitution to establish a Children, Youth, and Families Commission and Department. The commission would consist of five appointed members serving six-year terms, with initial terms varying in length. By July 1, 2027, the commission would appoint an executive director to manage the department and enforce related laws.
"This resolution would create chaos in our child welfare system at the worst possible time," said CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados in the press release. "We’re looking at potentially catastrophic disruptions to services for our most vulnerable children and families, with no clear plan for maintaining federal funding or managing the transition of over 2,000 employees."
The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department works to support children, youth, and families by focusing on their resilience and involvement in systems affecting their lives. The department's vision is a New Mexico where all children, youth, and families are healthy, safe, thriving, and connected to their culture and community. According to its website, CYFD’s mission includes nurturing family strength, building partnerships with communities, and addressing disparities.
