Contact: Andrew Skobinsky, Director of Communications
andrew.skobinsky@cyfd.nm.gov
(505) 500-9436
Jessica Preston
Jessica.preston@cyfd.nm.gov
(505) 699-2262
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Februray 21, 2025
SANTA FE – The Senate Rules Committee today unanimously approved legislation designed to close critical gaps in New Mexico’s system for protecting substance-exposed infants and their families.
Senate Bill 42, sponsored by Sen. Michael Padilla and Rep. Gail Armstrong, creates a comprehensive framework to prevent vulnerable children from falling through gaps in the current system. The legislation strategically shifts the administration of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Department of Health (DOH), while establishing robust interagency collaboration protocols.
“This isn’t simply about moving programs between departments, it’s about fundamentally improving how we protect New Mexico’s children,” said CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados. “We’ve identified where children are most at risk of being missed by our current system, and we’re creating real solutions through enhanced collaboration between agencies.”
The legislation improves CARA in five ways:
- Positioning the Department of Health as the lead agency for family support, leveraging their healthcare expertise and established community networks.
- Building stronger engagement pathways to connect families with essential services.
- Implementing enhanced oversight procedures to ensure child safety.
- Establishing clear protocols for seamless interagency collaboration.
- Modernizing CARA procedures to deliver more effective family support.
CYFD will maintain its essential role in family support services while forging a stronger partnership with DOH to ensure comprehensive care. This innovative approach aims to identify at-risk children earlier and connect their families with life-changing resources more effectively.
“By creating better synergy between executive agencies, we’re building a stronger safety net for New Mexico’s most vulnerable children,” Casados added. “The legislation gives us powerful tools to identify at-risk families and deliver life-changing support when it matters most.”
The bill now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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