Office of Inspector General
Mission Statement
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 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.
Vision Statement
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.
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.
How to Make a Report 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.
OIG Reporting
Email: CYFD-OIG@cyfd.nm.gov