CROSSOVER YOUTH ACT

SB 428, the Crossover Youth Act, creates a dedicated program to support children simultaneously involved in New Mexico's child welfare and juvenile justice systems (termed "crossover youth"). It requires the state department to appoint a program coordinator to foster collaboration between child welfare and juvenile justice divisions, mandate annual training for all relevant staff (including judges, attorneys, and social workers) on trauma, cultural humility, and system coordination, and establish protocols for joint case management. The bill also guarantees basic visitation rights for siblings and parents of affected youth, unless safety concerns arise. This legislation directly impacts youth navigating both systems, their families, and state agencies responsible for their care.