Analysts, advocates paint grim picture of New Mexico’s child welfare system

Analysts, advocates paint grim picture of New Mexico's child welfare system  Santa Fe New Mexican

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Jun 7, 2024 - 02:30 Updated: Jun 7, 2024 - 10:07
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Analysts, advocates paint grim picture of New Mexico’s child welfare system

Child Protective Services in New Mexico: A Report on Turnover and Safety Risks

Introduction

Turnover among New Mexico’s child protective services workers is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. The turnover rate in the state exceeds the national average and is more than double the level considered optimal. This report aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) and the potential risks it poses to the safety and well-being of children in its custody.

Sleeping at Agency Offices

A lack of alternative options has led to some children in the custody of CYFD sleeping at agency offices for extended periods, sometimes for weeks. This situation is alarming and requires urgent intervention to ensure that children have safe and appropriate living arrangements.

Poverty and Willful Child Neglect

Advocates have raised concerns about CYFD workers penalizing families for poverty when looking for signs of willful child neglect. This practice not only unfairly targets families experiencing poverty but also diverts valuable resources and attention away from children who are genuinely suffering from abuse and neglect.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The issues highlighted in this report align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:

  1. Goal 1: No Poverty
  2. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
  3. Goal 4: Quality Education
  4. Goal 5: Gender Equality
  5. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
  6. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conclusion

The high turnover rate among child protective services workers in New Mexico and the resulting safety risks for children demand immediate action. It is crucial for the CYFD to address the challenges faced by its workforce and ensure that children in its custody are provided with safe and nurturing environments. By prioritizing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, health and well-being, education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions, New Mexico can work towards a better future for its children.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

  1. SDG 1: No Poverty

    • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that families are being penalized for poverty, indicating a lack of appropriate social protection systems.

  2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

    • Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
    • Indicator: The article mentions a lack of options for children in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, which could potentially impact their health and well-being.

  3. SDG 4: Quality Education

    • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
    • Indicator: The article does not directly mention education, but the issues faced by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department could potentially impact the education of the children in their custody.

  4. SDG 5: Gender Equality

    • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
    • Indicator: The article does not directly mention gender-based violence, but it highlights the concerns raised by advocates regarding the treatment of families, which could potentially include women and girls.

  5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

    • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
    • Indicator: The article mentions that families are being penalized for poverty, indicating a lack of social and economic inclusion for vulnerable populations.

  6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
    • Indicator: The article mentions concerns about child neglect and abuse, indicating a need to address violence against children.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 1: No Poverty Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. The article mentions that families are being penalized for poverty, indicating a lack of appropriate social protection systems.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births. The article mentions a lack of options for children in the custody of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, which could potentially impact their health and well-being.
SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. The article does not directly mention education, but the issues faced by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department could potentially impact the education of the children in their custody.
SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. The article does not directly mention gender-based violence, but it highlights the concerns raised by advocates regarding the treatment of families, which could potentially include women and girls.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. The article mentions that families are being penalized for poverty, indicating a lack of social and economic inclusion for vulnerable populations.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The article mentions concerns about child neglect and abuse, indicating a need to address violence against children.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: santafenewmexican.com

 

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