Lawmakers proposing joint resolution to create more CYFD oversight
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Reform of the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) is one of the governor's top priorities in this legislative session. Now, lawmakers are proposing their ideas on what that could look like, including the creation of new entities to oversee the department.
Currently, the governor has full authority in selecting and appointing the CYFD cabinet secretary who manages the department. A Democrat-led joint resolution wants to create more transparency by forming a commission that would help oversee the department.
'CYFD is in chaos; we are not doing right by our kids…We need a structural overhaul and that's really the purpose of this bill, we need to move it out from under the governor, we need to get the politics out of it, and we need to stop the revolving door,' said Representative Eleanor Chávez, (D- Albuquerque).
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In the past, the governor's CYFD appointments have sparked criticism for their lack of background in the foster care system. Now, Democratic Representative Eleanor Chavez is the lead sponsor for the house joint resolution that, if passed, would create a CYFD Commission that would add an extra layer of oversight on the department.
It would be made up of five members, each serving six-year terms, who'd have the power to select an executive director for CYFD. The governor and the two top lawmakers from each party would each appoint one member. Although CYFD reform was brought up last session, Representative Chavez says this year, she's confident more change will be accomplished.
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'The difference has been that we continue to see chaos and dysfunction in that department and it's gotten even worse and I think that's part of the momentum why people are feeling compelled to act. We're really in a crisis moment,' said Rep. Chávez.
If the joint house resolution were to make it through this entire session, it would eventually need to be voted on by the public during the next general election. The house Government, elections, and Indian Affairs Committee voted 4-3 to advance the joint resolution.
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