Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4263
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2014
Senate Public Affairs Committee to Discuss CYFD Issues
CYFD Secretary Invited
Santa Fe, NM – In light of the recent issues plaguing the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), the Senate Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) has invited CYFD Secretary Yolanda Deines to today’s committee hearing. Committee Chairman, Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino (D- 12-Bernalillo), said Senate Bill 111 (SB111) and Senate Joint Memorial 3 (SJM3) will be heard as part of the hearing.
SB111, sponsored by Senator Sander Rue (R-23-Bernalillo), calls for background checks on adults who care for children who have been removed from the homes of their parents or custodians in emergency situations. SB111 carries an emergency clause. SJM3, sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla (D-38-Dona Ana), requires that CYFD report to the legislature on the state of foster care within New Mexico.
“The children of New Mexico deserve to be in safe hands. CYFD must be a part of the efforts of the legislature to assure that every precaution is taken when it comes to the safety of our kids,” said Sen. Ortiz y Pino, a former social worker for the state. “Attention must be paid, not only to the efficiency, professionalism and knowledge of the case workers who deal with children, but also to the families that the state places those children with.”
The meeting will be in Room 326 of the Roundhouse, 30 minutes after the Senate recesses from the floor (around 2 p.m.). The public can also listen in to the meeting through webcast.
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