Senator Crystal Diamond Applauds Signing of 'Children First' Custody Bill

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 06 April 2023 06 April 2023

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 107, sponsored by Senator Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte) and Senator Daniel Ivey Soto (D-Albuquerque), was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill amends the timeline for the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to file a petition from two days from the date of the petition to not more than three days after the child is taken into custody. Senate Bill 107 further stipulates that when a child has been taken into custody for a second time in six months, a department employee above the level of supervisor would be required to conduct a review to determine whether the child should be released to the child's caregiver.

Senator Diamond issued the following statement applauding the bill signing:

"This bill is a step in the right direction to address the state's systemic inability to protect our most vulnerable children. Ensuring that children who are victims of repeat abuse are given our judicial system's utmost attention will save lives. I hope and trust that this bill is a sign of the tide turning in New Mexico, when we will finally prioritize the best interests of children over convenience and the status quo."

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