summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
03/13/2025
03/13/2025
Passed
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT RELATING TO CHILD WELFARE; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978 TO ENACT A NEW MEXICO CHILD SAFETY AND WELFARE ACT; REQUIRING THE USE OF STATE-ISSUED ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHEN PERFORMING DEPARTMENTAL DUTIES; REQUIRING THE BACKUP AND RETENTION OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS; ENHANCING THE STATE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL COMPREHENSIVE ADDICTION AND RECOVERY ACT OF 2016; MOVING THAT PROGRAM FROM THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO THE HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY; AMENDING REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANS OF SAFE CARE; REQUIRING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE MULTILEVEL RESPONSE SYSTEM STATEWIDE; ENACTING THE FAMILIES FIRST ACT WITHIN THE CHILDREN'S CODE; REQUIRING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR APPROVAL BY THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES; REQUIRING PROVISIONS OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN TO IDENTIFY AND PROVIDE FOSTER CARE PREVENTION SERVICES THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES ACT; PROVIDING ACCESS TO AND REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN RECORDS AND INFORMATION; SPECIFYING TO WHOM AND UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES INFORMATION THAT IS HELD BY THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT THAT PERTAINS TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT MAY BE SHARED; REQUIRING THAT INFORMATION BE PROVIDED ABOUT CHILD FATALITIES OR NEAR FATALITIES; PROTECTING SJC/SRC/SB 42 PERSONAL IDENTIFIER INFORMATION OF DEPARTMENT CLIENTS; PROVIDING FOR RULEMAKING; REQUIRING REPORTS.
AI Summary
This bill comprehensively reforms New Mexico's child welfare system by introducing several key provisions. The bill establishes a new Families First Act that requires the Children, Youth and Families Department to develop a strategic plan for providing foster care prevention services, with the goal of keeping children safely with their families and reducing foster care placements. The department must create a plan that identifies evidence-based services for families at risk, including mental health treatment, substance abuse prevention, and in-home parenting skills programs. The bill mandates a pilot program by June 2027 and statewide implementation by June 2032. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to create a public dashboard and annual report detailing child welfare statistics, such as the number of child fatalities, foster care placements, and investigations. The bill also enhances electronic record-keeping requirements for department employees, mandating daily backups of electronic records and ensuring the retention of these records for at least seven years after an employee's termination. Furthermore, the bill modifies procedures for handling substance-exposed newborns, creating more comprehensive "plans of safe care" and establishing clearer guidelines for reporting and supporting families with potential substance abuse issues. The overall aim is to improve child safety, support family preservation, and increase transparency in the child welfare system.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (5)
Gail Armstrong (R)*,
Heather Berghmans (D)*,
Michael Padilla (D)*,
Liz Stefanics (D),
Linda Trujillo (D),
Last Action
Signed by Governor - Chapter 156 - Apr. 10 (on 04/10/2025)
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