Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2015
Senate Approves Bipartisan Measure to Give Preference to Eligible Family Members When Children are in Need of Foster Care
Santa Fe, NM – A substitute for Senate Bill 23 (SB 23), requiring the Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to give placement preference to the family of a child in CYFD custody if it is in the best interest of that child, passed the Senate on Monday with a vote of 37-2. Bill sponsor, Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-14-Bernalillo), said this is a much needed measure for the emotional health of these children.
“The legislation will provide family members with placement preference to take the child into their home instead of the child being taken into unfamiliar surroundings. It will help reduce the potential for post traumatic stress syndrome for these children, and provide some normalcy in the child’s life, as they will be placed in a home that is comfortable and familiar,” said Sen. Padilla.
According to the provisions of the bill, a relative must sign a statement not allowing unsupervised visits with the child’s parent, guardian or custodian unless allowed by CYFD or the court. In addition, the relative must apply to become a licensed foster parent within five days of bringing the child into their home.
“This bill ensures that the eight steps called out in CYFD rules, designed to protect the child, are met while reducing trauma,” Sen. Padilla added.
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