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
March 13, 2025
SANTA FE — The bipartisan Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Omnibus Bill Senate Bill 42 unanimously passed the Senate today.
This comprehensive legislation represents the most comprehensive and thoughtful plan introduced in this session to reform and strengthen New Mexico’s child welfare system.
“We have consistently supported CYFD reform legislation, and SB 42 provides lawmakers and our state with the wide-ranging solution we’ve been seeking,” said CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados. “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.”
This omnibus bill combines four key initiatives:
- Substance-Exposed Infants (previously SB 42): Addresses the growing public health issue of substance-exposed infants by transferring the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) program authority from CYFD to the Department of Health. It helps reduce the prevalence of infants born substance-exposed, and enhances collaboration between DOH, CYFD, and HCA. Establishes mandated requirements for home-visiting navigators, proactive family engagement, and thorough safety assessments.
- Transparency measures (previously SB 84): Increases transparency by aligning federal oversight requirements with state mandates, requiring CYFD to provide the public with information on fatalities and near fatalities.
- Insurance protection (previously SB 284): Ensures foster parents and caregivers cannot be disqualified from premises liability insurance coverage due to a child’s foster care or substitute care status. This means foster parents or caregivers won’t lose coverage for third-party injuries or property damage simply because of a child’s placement status.
- Federal funding access (previously SB 458): Requires CYFD submit a Federal Families First Act strategic plan to access federal funds to supporting families, preventing unnecessary removals, and reducing the number of children entering CYFD custody. Implements a Multi Level Response System, offering alternatives to investigations when appropriate.
SB 42 stands as the only omnibus CYFD reform package in the current legislative session, offering a unified, solution-driven approach to departmental reform.
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