BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD STANDARDS

SB 67 establishes "the best interests of the child" as the primary and controlling standard for all judicial decisions and actions by the Children, Youth and Families Department in abuse and neglect cases. It amends the Children's Code to prioritize child safety above all else, requires courts to ensure guardians ad litem and child attorneys zealously represent the child's interests, and mandates written findings for all decisions. The bill clarifies definitions like "aggravated circumstances" (including severe abuse or criminal convictions involving children) and "aggravated physical neglect" to guide case determinations. This legislation directly affects children in abuse/neglect cases, courts, child welfare professionals, and legal representatives in New Mexico.