CYFD INVESTIGATION FOR PLAN OF CARE FAILURE

HB 173 requires New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to investigate when parents, guardians, or caregivers fail to follow a hospital discharge "plan of care" for a child. It mandates CYFD to conduct a family assessment to evaluate risks like imminent danger, abuse, or neglect, and offer services (counseling, training) to address underlying issues. If families decline these services, CYFD must proceed with an investigation. The bill directly affects families of children discharged from hospitals with a plan of care and CYFD staff responsible for child safety. It changes existing law to make CYFD’s assessment and investigation steps mandatory upon noncompliance.