New Mexico Register / Volume XXXV, Issue 18 / September 24, 2024

CYFD NOTICE OF PUBLIC RULEMAKING HEARING

The Children, Youth and Families Department will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in room N 505 on the fifth floor of the PERA Building located at 1120 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, to receive public comments regarding proposed updates to 8.8.3 NMAC, Governing Background Checks and Employment.

This rule applies to employees, contractors, volunteers, and student interns of CYFD-contracted providers. This rule applies to all operators, employees, and volunteers and prospective operators, employees, and volunteers of all programs and facilities that have primary custody of children for 20 hours or more per week; and juvenile detention, correction, and/or treatment facilities.

The updates to this proposed rule remove Early Childhood Education and Care Department’s requirements and services from CYFD’s rules and responsibilities. This change is necessary as in 2019, the Division of Early Childhood Services within the Children, Youth and Families Department was separated from CYFD and established as a new Cabinet-level department named the Early Childhood Education and Care Department per Laws 2019, ch. 48, § 34 by way of the Executive Reorganization Act. Additionally, the new rule provides for greater flexibility for applicants with lived experiences to serve as mentors for young people.

The Children’s Code, Chapter 32A Article 2 NMSA 1978, charges CYFD with the responsibility to promulgate updated NMAC.

The draft of the rule may be accessed at https://cyfd.nm.gov or by emailing cyfd.policy@cyfd.nm.gov. Interested persons may testify at the hearing or submit written comments no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, October 24. Written comments will be given the same consideration as verbal comments given at the hearing. Written comments should be addressed to: CYFD (Policy & Procedures), Children, Youth and Families Department, PO Drawer 5160, Santa Fe, NM 87501; Email cyfd.policy@cyfd.nm.gov.

If you require this information in an alternative format or require special accommodations to participate in the public hearing, please email cyfd.policy@cyfd.nm.gov. CYFD requests at least 10 days advance notice to provide requested alternative formats and special accommodations.