The bill amends Section 32A-6A-15 of the New Mexico Statutes to authorize the Children's Court to mandate participation in court-ordered behavioral health services or treatment for children over the age of fourteen who have been adjudicated as abused or neglected. This requirement is contingent upon the court's determination, following a hearing and consideration of evidence, that such services or treatment are in the best interest of the child and necessary for their health, safety, or welfare.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that while children aged fourteen and older are presumed to have the capacity to consent to various forms of treatment without the need for consent from their legal custodians, the involvement of custodians and family members in the treatment planning process is still encouraged. The new provision aims to ensure that the needs of abused or neglected children are adequately addressed through appropriate behavioral health interventions.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-6A-15