4 days ago
Mother charged after child tests positive for cocaine in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Another mother is facing child abuse charges after police said her eight-year-old tested positive for cocaine. Mercedes Barfoot made her first appearance in court on Tuesday.
Albuquerque mother facing charges after child overdosed will stay in jail
A criminal complaint stated that the boy and two other siblings had been under New Mexico Children, Youth, and Family Department care during the past two years after all three children tested posted for drugs. The state had recently placed the eight-year-old on a trial home visit with his mother.
The criminal complaint showed that the CYFD worker conducted several scheduled and surprise visits to the home and removed him after the worker found drug paraphernalia. The boy told CYFD he didn't want to be alive anymore, so they took him to the hospital, where police said he tested positive for cocaine.
CYFD sent this statement:
CYFD is glad that MG is safe due to the diligent efforts of the CYFD worker in this case. The timeline outlined in the criminal complaint shows that the CYFD worker conducted several visits, both scheduled and unscheduled, to check on the safety of MG. These steps resulted in the CYFD intervention and removal of MG to ensure the child's safety.
Substance misuse and addiction continue to be a major problem in New Mexico and CYFD will continue our steadfast work to protect and support the children and youth who are vulnerable.
Jessica Preston, Deputy Director of Communications
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