Another Child's Life Rubbed Out Due to Incompetence at New Mexico's Child Welfare Department

Albuquerque, October 21—The Republican Party of New Mexico is appalled to learn that another New Mexico child has died as a result of incompetence at the embattled Children, Youth and Families Department.

CYFD failed to respond to cries for help from the aunt of 2-year-old Diana McGrory who was being abused by her parents over a number of years. CYFD was contacted multiple times, but the Department failed to act, even though the toddler was in CYFD's database.

Once again CYFD has failed, and a child is dead.

The system is broken, and Gov. Lujan Grisham's failed leadership to address the crisis at this Department is inexcusable. She's ignoring a deadly problem in state government. The Governor's ineptitude continues to endanger the children of New Mexico.

It's deplorable that a state department with a deep-rooted history of problems hasn't been dealt with. CYFD has been under fire and under investigation for so long that it's practically become part of the state culture. The state systematically turns a blind eye to the horrors happening to our most vulnerable.

"CYFD continues its immoral and illegal policies that are leading to more child abuse and death, and the Governor refuses to get to the heart of the problem," said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. "The Department refuses to listen to cries for help and to thoroughly investigate complaints. It's despicable that the Governor hasn't made this crisis a top priority. Something has to be done to stop this ongoing child abuse. CYFD won't act, won't fix these problems and has even admitted to deliberately deleting vital, perhaps life-saving, communication information regarding these child welfare cases. This clandestine department must be called out, and the buck stops with the Governor."

The Department says it's also conducting a "critical incident review" in this latest deadly case.

"CYFD again promises to review its policies, but it's been its own watchdog for years, and this has led to disastrous consequences in terms of safety of our children. This cannot be tolerated any longer. Children are dying, and there must be accountability. We must have an independent commission to investigate what's happening at CYFD, and the Governor must respond to this catastrophe immediately."

The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.