Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has endorsed a significant legislative package aimed at reforming the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) in New Mexico. She has called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of this comprehensive child welfare bill.
The omnibus legislation, identified as SB 42 and introduced via committee substitute, is scheduled for review by the Senate Judiciary Committee after today's Senate floor session.
"This bipartisan omnibus package will help protect our most vulnerable children, as well as those who have dedicated their careers to keeping them safe," stated Lujan Grisham. She expressed gratitude towards Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla and House Minority Leader Gail Armstrong, along with other co-sponsors whose bills are part of this package. "I urge the New Mexico Legislature to approve this critically important CYFD reform legislation and send it to my desk as soon as possible."
Key elements of the omnibus CYFD bill include:
- Transferring the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), aimed at reducing substance abuse among babies, from CYFD to the New Mexico Department of Health. This change is intended to better manage the program. The bill requires that non-compliance by a parent or guardian under CARA supervision be referred back to CYFD.
- SB 84 mandates changes in public information sharing regarding CYFD fatalities and near fatalities, in line with federal oversight requirements.
- SB 284 prevents minor children in foster or substitute care from being grounds for disqualification from premises liability insurance coverage due to their placement status.
- SB 458 obliges CYFD to submit a strategic plan under the Federal Families First Act, which allows using federal funds to support families and reduce children entering CYFD custody. It also includes a Multilevel Response System mandate for evaluating services for children or families.
- SB 334 introduces penalties for assaulting or battering CYFD welfare workers, aligning protections with those afforded to teachers and law enforcement.
Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla described the package as "the most comprehensive reform of CYFD in decades." He noted that "in a session full of CYFD legislation, the legislature has united in its common goal of protecting our children." The reforms cover CARA implementation, criminal penalties for assaulting child welfare workers, transparency requirements for department operations, and insurance benefits for protective services children.
Padilla is also advocating for additional bills supported by Gov. Lujan Grisham that aim to codify the CYFD Fostering Connections program into law and provide foster families with a $6k annual tax credit.
