The bill amends Section 32A-3B-2 of the New Mexico Statutes to provide a clearer definition of a "family in need of court-ordered services." It specifies that such a family may include those who have refused or failed to engage with family services, or where the Children, Youth and Families Department has exhausted available services and court intervention is deemed necessary. The bill outlines various circumstances under which a family may be classified as needing court-ordered services, including excessive school absences, a child being absent from home without consent, and situations involving potential neglect or human trafficking.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that addresses cases where allegations of child abuse or neglect against a child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian have been substantiated by the department. It states that if court intervention is necessary to ensure the child's safety or to facilitate access to services for the family, but filing an abuse or neglect petition is not in the child's best interest, the court may still intervene. This amendment aims to enhance the protection and well-being of children in situations where traditional family services may not suffice.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-3B-2