The proposed New Mexico Child Safety and Welfare Act aims to enhance child welfare services by implementing several key provisions. It mandates the use of state-issued electronic devices by department employees for official duties and requires the backup and retention of related electronic records. The bill also transfers the administration of a program under the federal Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act from the Children, Youth and Families Department to the Health Care Authority, while amending the requirements for plans of safe care for substance-exposed newborns. Additionally, it establishes a multilevel response system for child welfare, emphasizing prevention and early intervention, and mandates the development of a strategic plan in alignment with the federal Family First Prevention Services Act.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for data collection and reporting concerning substance-exposed children, ensuring that hospitals and birthing centers report when a plan of safe care is created. It clarifies that reports made under this plan will not be considered child abuse reports, thus protecting families from unwarranted investigations. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the health care authority, including training for hospital staff and family engagement in treatment needs. It emphasizes confidentiality in abuse and neglect investigations, mandates annual reporting on the multilevel response system, and establishes a framework for the timely release of information regarding child fatalities and near fatalities. Overall, the amendments aim to improve collaboration among state and local services while safeguarding the rights and identities of families involved in child welfare cases.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-2, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-3
JU substitute: 9-2A-8, 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-2, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-2, 32A-4-3, 32A-4-4.1, 32A-4-21, 32A-4-33, 32A-4-33.1
RU substitute: 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-3
Final Version: 9-2A-8, 32A-1-4, 32A-3A-2, 32A-3A-13, 32A-3A-14, 32A-4-2, 32A-4-3, 32A-4-4.1, 32A-4-21, 32A-4-33, 32A-4-33.1