Lawmakers Demand Accountability: CYFD Faces Scrutiny for Ongoing Challenges

Lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee expressed frustration with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), with some suggesting legislators should try again to bring third-party oversight to the agency. The Cabinet Secretary, Teresa Casados, acknowledged the department's struggles and pledged to address the issues, but lawmakers remained unsatisfied, urging the agency to find solutions.

Lawmakers Demand Immediate Action to Fix CYFD's Persistent Problems

Lawmakers' Exasperation with CYFD's Ongoing Challenges

Lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee voiced their growing frustration with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), expressing a sense of exhaustion over the recurring issues plaguing the agency. Representative Gail Armstrong, R-Magdalena, directly addressed Cabinet Secretary Teresa Casados, urging her to "Fix it, please. Let us help you." Casados acknowledged the department's struggles, stating, "Madam representative, I am trying," but lawmakers remained unsatisfied with the pace of progress.

Calls for Third-Party Oversight to Improve CYFD's Accountability

Amid the lawmakers' frustration, some suggested that the legislature should consider bringing in third-party oversight to the CYFD. This proposal reflects a growing sentiment among policymakers that the agency requires external accountability measures to address its persistent challenges effectively. The lawmakers' push for third-party oversight underscores their belief that the CYFD's internal efforts have been insufficient in resolving the department's longstanding issues.

CYFD's Ongoing Struggles and the Need for Comprehensive Solutions

The CYFD's challenges have been a recurring concern for lawmakers, who have expressed a sense of exhaustion over the lack of tangible progress. The department's struggles have spanned various areas, including service delivery, resource allocation, and overall effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate to protect and support New Mexico's children and families. Lawmakers' demands for immediate action and their willingness to explore third-party oversight suggest a growing impatience with the CYFD's inability to address these persistent problems.

Lawmakers' Desire to Collaborate and Support CYFD's Improvement Efforts

Despite their frustration, lawmakers have also expressed a willingness to work with the CYFD to find solutions. Representative Armstrong's statement, "Let us help you," reflects a desire to collaborate and support the department's efforts to improve its performance and better serve the needs of New Mexico's vulnerable populations. This collaborative approach suggests that lawmakers recognize the complexity of the CYFD's challenges and are open to exploring innovative strategies to address them.

The Urgency for Meaningful Change and Accountability at the CYFD

The lawmakers' demands for immediate action and their consideration of third-party oversight underscore the urgency for meaningful change and accountability within the CYFD. The department's ongoing struggles have had a direct impact on the lives of New Mexico's children and families, and lawmakers are increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo. As the CYFD continues to grapple with these challenges, the pressure for comprehensive and sustainable solutions will only continue to mount.