The New Mexico Senate has unanimously passed the bipartisan Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Omnibus Bill, known as Senate Bill 42. This legislation aims to reform and strengthen the state's child welfare system.

"This comprehensive legislation represents the most comprehensive and thoughtful plan introduced in this session to reform and strengthen New Mexico’s child welfare system," according to the press release.

CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados said, "We have consistently supported CYFD reform legislation, and SB 42 provides lawmakers and our state with the wide-ranging solution we’ve been seeking. The CYFD omnibus bill is a crucial step in the right direction for New Mexico’s children, youth, and families delivering meaningful reform—it must reach the Governor’s desk."

The bill combines four key initiatives:

1. **Substance-Exposed Infants**: Transfers authority from CYFD to the Department of Health to address substance-exposed infants.

2. **Transparency Measures**: Aligns federal oversight requirements with state mandates for increased transparency.

3. **Insurance Protection**: Ensures foster parents are not disqualified from insurance coverage due to a child's care status.

4. **Federal Funding Access**: Requires submission of a strategic plan under the Federal Families First Act.

SB 42 stands as the only omnibus CYFD reform package in this legislative session.

Information from this article can be found here.