The "Crossover Youth Act" aims to support children who are involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, known as "crossover youth." The legislation establishes a new Crossover Youth Program within the relevant department, appointing a program coordinator to enhance collaboration among various agencies, collect data, and develop training materials. It mandates annual training for staff in protective services and juvenile justice, as well as for attorneys and judicial officers, focusing on the unique challenges faced by crossover youth, including cultural humility and trauma's impact on development. The Act also outlines basic rights for these youth, such as visitation rights for siblings and parents, and emphasizes the need for effective case management through intra-agency and interagency collaboration.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 32A-2-24 NMSA 1978 to define "crossover youth" and requires that during probation revocation proceedings, the juvenile justice division must provide a statement detailing efforts made to assist these individuals in completing their probation. To support the implementation of the Crossover Youth Program, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2026, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. This financial allocation is intended to improve resources and services for crossover youth, ultimately promoting better rehabilitation and integration outcomes.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-2-3, 30-2-1, 32A-2-24