The New Mexico Senate passed Senate Bill 42, known as The New Mexico Child Safety and Welfare Act. This legislation aims to enhance the state's child welfare system with measures designed to improve the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and support those working in child welfare services.

The bill proposes changes to align state law with federal statutes by replacing "plan of care" with "plan of safe care." It designates the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead agency for managing care coordination for substance-exposed newborns. DOH will ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements, provide training for hospitals, and conduct home visits to connect families with necessary services. Additionally, CYFD must be notified if there is any disengagement from the plan.

"In a session full of CYFD legislation, this legislature has united in its common goal of protecting our children," said Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D – Albuquerque). "This legislation is the most comprehensive reform of CYFD in decades."

Senate Bill 42 also incorporates the federal Family First Prevention Services Act into state law. This will allow CYFD to implement evidence-based prevention services and sets a timeline for full implementation by 2027.

"This measure is really going to provide needed support for an agency we all want to see succeed," said Senator Linda Trujillo (D – Santa Fe).

The bill updates confidentiality laws by allowing media access to child abuse hearings under strict conditions and granting CYFD more authority to share information in specific cases. It defines "near fatality" and requires information release related to these cases.

Finally, it clarifies that foster children are not considered residents of foster homes for insurance purposes. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Sponsors include Michael Padilla, Linda M. Trujillo, Heather Berghmans, Liz Stefanics, and Gail Armstrong.

Information from this article can be found here.