Deb Haaland proposes overhaul of New Mexico child welfare agency
Proposal targets child welfare agency and adds new response office for nonviolent 911 calls
Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland unveiled a public safety plan on March 5 that calls for overhauling the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department and expanding behavioral health services, according to Source NM. Haaland’s proposal includes appointing an experienced cabinet secretary, increasing staff pay, boosting recruitment and requiring data sharing between the Office of the Child Advocate, New Mexico State Police, the Health Care Authority and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department.
Haaland also proposed creating a statewide Office of Community Safety to respond to nonviolent 911 calls involving mental health crises and homelessness, according to Source NM. Her plan would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from operating within 500 yards of schools, child care facilities, government buildings, religious institutions, health clinics, public parks and significant cultural sites. Haaland announced the proposal during a news conference in Albuquerque alongside former State Police Chief Pete Kassetas, former state Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino and New Mexico Behavioral Health Providers Association President David Ley.
- 1.Joshua Bowling. Source NM, .
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.
Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.