CYFD needs reform during this session

When I decided to run for office, I had no idea what a gut-wrenching experience it would be to learn the extent of the failures plaguing our Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).

Their charge is clear: Protect our state’s most vulnerable children and empower families. This includes infants born with substance addictions who are at some of the highest risk for infant mortality, delayed behavior, cognitive functioning, executive functioning and a bevy of other issues.

If you have paid any attention to the news, you know CYFD is failing.

In Bernalillo County alone, it is reported that we see a child under the age of one overdose almost once every other week. Over three times as likely, the same age group of children is facing life-threatening substance exposure and being treated with naloxone. Our state more than doubles the rate of the national average of newborns born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – 13.6 percent compared to 6.3 percent per 1,000. But we are not helpless in this crisis and change is needed now more than ever.

CYFD, and specifically the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) program, needs reform. In October 2023, the Legislative Finance Committee issued a comprehensive evaluation of the CARA program and found that, “the vast majority of CARA families are not receiving support services or substance use treatment.”

Despite Republican-led efforts in last year’s legislative session, this administration opposed needed CYFD reform at every stage and failed to protect our state’s most vulnerable children. Failure to act should not be an option. We cannot afford to lose one more precious, innocent life because of political stonewalling and negligent leadership. Accountability and urgency are how we must move forward.

Our children and their safety must be a top priority of the upcoming legislative session. Enough with the false solutions and empty platitudes. CYFD clearly cannot fix itself. So for the sake of the children that we are charged to protect, the governor must put CYFD reform on the call for the session and allow the good work of the Legislature to reform this dysfunctional, failing department. If you share my overwhelming concern for the wellbeing of our children, I urge you to contact the governor’s office and advocate for this addition to her legislative call. Furthermore, I ask that you contact your local Representatives and Senators and plead with them to support our efforts.

Leading up to the legislative session, our best option to fight for our children is to spread this information and shine light on this heart-wrenching problem facing our communities. We must seek accountability in this matter and proceed with the greatest sense of urgency. This is not about politics, it’s about saving lives. I am proud to help lead this charge and I humbly ask you to join me in the effort.