Bill > HB5

This bill creates the Office of Child Advocate in New Mexico, establishing a new independent agency administratively attached to the Attorney General's office to oversee and monitor child welfare services. The office will be led by a State Child Advocate appointed by the governor for a six-year term, who must have at least five years of professional experience in child protective or juvenile justice services and be licensed as an attorney, psychologist, or social worker. The bill establishes a seven-member State Child Advocate Selection Committee to nominate candidates for the position and defines the office's extensive powers and duties, which include reviewing the Children, Youth and Families Department's services, receiving and investigating complaints about child welfare, operating a toll-free hotline, analyzing child welfare laws and policies, and producing an annual comprehensive report on child welfare services. The office will have broad access to departmental and law enforcement records while maintaining confidentiality of individual case information, and can refer serious violations to the Attorney General. The bill also amends existing laws to ensure the office's ability to access and review confidential records related to children in custody, with the goal of improving oversight and protection of children in the state's child welfare system. The Office of Child Advocate will become effective on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=5&year=25