This bill mandates that a behavioral health assessment be conducted for a child prior to their entry into foster care in New Mexico. Specifically, it amends Section 32A-3B-6 of the NMSA 1978 to include a new requirement that within forty-five days of placing a child into foster care, the department must provide a child and adolescent needs and strengths trauma assessment and make referrals to appropriate behavioral health services based on the assessment results.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of placing children in the care of relatives when possible, ensuring that such placements are in the best interest of the child and that relatives comply with specific conditions regarding the child's safety. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-3B-6