Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2015
Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Allow Foster Children to Participate in Age Appropriate Activities
Santa Fe, NM – Today, a committee substitute for Senate Bill 198 (SB 198) that gives caregivers the authority to allow their foster children to participate in age appropriate, out-of-home activities, passed the Senate floor. The bill will allow caretakers to make those decisions without prior approval from the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). After significant debate in committees and on the Senate floor, the bipartisan legislation passed with a vote of 38-0.
According to bill sponsor, Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-14 Bernalillo), this legislation will strengthen a youth’s connection with the child’s schools, community, and peers.
“Passage of this legislation will help develop social skills for children in foster care by making it possible for them to participate in activities like sports, arts, church groups, and many others. If passed through the House of Representatives and signed by the Governor, foster parents will have a greater ability to make these vital decisions,” Sen. Padilla said.
“This is a step forward for almost 3,000 kids in this state. As a former foster child, I am excited that children in foster care today will have the opportunity to have normal lives, just like other children in New Mexico,” said Sen. Padilla. “Most importantly, the legislation should bring normalcy to the children’s lives, and help in their social, mental, and behavioral health development.”
The legislation also ensures that the child is a part of the development of their intervention plan while in foster care at all ages, and changes the age, from 17 to 16, at which time a plan for their transition out of foster care will be developed. This component will help increase collegiate achievement and reduce poverty rates for this population, which are some of the highest in New Mexico.
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