Office of Inspector General
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides independent, objective oversight to strengthen CYFD operations, ensure lawful compliance, and uphold the integrity of services delivered to children, youth, and families. Through investigations, audits, reviews, inspections, and administrative hearings, OIG works to protect individual rights, promote accountability, and support the safety and well-being of all constituents served by CYFD.
The OIG envisions a transparent, accountable, and continually improving CYFD where programs operate effectively, responsibly, and in full alignment with state and federal requirements. Through independent oversight and meaningful corrective recommendations, OIG seeks to strengthen public trust, reduce systemic deficiencies, and ensure CYFD services positively impact the lives of New Mexico’s children, youth, and families.
Types of Investigations
- Fraud, Waste, & Abuse
Investigations into misuse of CYFD resources; intentional deception; false statements; misrepresentation; careless or improper expenditure of funds; and violations of fiscal, business, or program standards. - Systemic Deficiencies & Program Audits
Reviews, inspections, and audits that identify risk, noncompliance, inefficiency, service gaps, or failures in systems or processes affecting CYFD program performance. - Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) Abuse & Neglect and PREA Violations
Investigations of abuse, neglect, or Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) violations occurring in CYFD-operated juvenile facilities, including recommendations for safety and operational improvements. SAP-05 - Conflict of Interest Matters
Investigations where an allegation cannot be objectively addressed by another CYFD office due to conflict of interest. - Externally Requested Investigations
Matters requested by the Governor, state oversight authorities, CYFD Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Secretary, or Division Directors. - Other Investigations as Warranted
Any allegation or issue requiring independent review to ensure lawful practice, accountability, and the protection of rights.
Administrative Hearing Office
New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) and CYFD regulations allow individuals to request an Administrative Hearing to challenge certain decisions made by the Department. The IG serves as the Department’s Hearing Officer, as designated by the Cabinet Secretary. Hearings follow the procedures set forth in NMAC 8.8.4 and are conducted by a neutral Hearing Officer who ensures due process, fairness, and compliance with applicable law and policy.
What types of Reports go to OIG
Individuals may contact the OIG to report concerns related to violations of law, policy, misuse of resources, abuse, neglect, rights violations, or other matters within OIG’s jurisdiction. Whistleblowers and reporters are protected from retaliation under state and federal law.
Before Submitting a Report to OIG
Submitting a concern to the appropriate office helps ensure timely review and response. Complaints received by the OIG that fall outside its jurisdiction may be referred to the appropriate CYFD office for review and possible action.
The Office of Inspector General is an independent oversight office responsible for investigating allegations involving fraud, waste, abuse, systemic deficiencies, Juvenile Justice Services facility misconduct, PREA-related matters, conflicts of interest that prevent investigation by another office, and other matters specifically assigned to the OIG. The OIG also conducts audits, inspections, reviews, and evaluations to strengthen accountability, improve operations, ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies, and safeguard the integrity of CYFD programs and services.
The OIG is not a substitute for the CYFD complaint, grievance, or constituent advocacy process. Concerns regarding case decisions, service dissatisfaction, communication issues, employee conduct affecting a specific case, placement concerns, visitation concerns, customer service issues, requests for assistance, or other constituent grievances should first be directed to the CYFD Office of Advocacy at: cyfd.advocacy@cyfd.nm.gov, which serves as the Department’s primary intake and resolution office for constituent concerns. The OIG generally does not investigate matters that can be addressed through established grievance or advocacy processes.
While the OIG may review whether grievance, complaint, or advocacy processes were administered lawfully, fairly, and consistently, it does not function as an appeals office for case decisions, custody determinations, court actions, or routine service complaints. Allegations involving fraud, waste, abuse, significant policy violations, systemic concerns, or other matters within OIG jurisdiction should be reported directly to the OIG.
Submit a Report to OIG
Email: CYFD-OIG@cyfd.nm.gov