SANTA FE, NM—Today, New Mexico House Republicans filed legislation to strengthen language in the New Mexico Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), sharpening the teeth of CYFD and ensuring protections for our state’s most vulnerable children and families.

 “We are tired of hearing stories about kids like Ricky Renova, Amelia Bennett and Nayisha Delaney, over and over again.” said Rep. Gail Armstrong (R, Catron, Sierra, Socorro & Valencia). “These tragic deaths were preventable. It must stop. We know these babies were born substance-exposed and, under the failed law of 2019, we allowed these high-risk families with documented history of abuse to simply walk out the door”, Rep. Armstrong continued.

 Co-Sponsors of the bill include Representatives Gail Armstrong, Andi Reeb, Stefani Lord, Jenifer Jones and Harlan Vincent.

 “We cannot wait any longer to protect these children who are born into often dangerous and, in some cases, deadly situations”, said Rep Jenifer Jones (R-Dona Ana, Hidalgo, & Luna), a registered nurse in New Mexico.

 According to the 2021 DOH CARA evaluation report, 41.8% of families did not know what a ‘plan of care’ was or failed to be notified of such a plan in the hospital. In addition, 57.1% of families completing the survey either were not contacted by a care coordinator or refused services. HB 121 mandates that, if a parent or guardian of a substance-exposed newborn on a CARA plan declines services offered or fails to comply with the medical plan of support, CYFD family services shall conduct a family assessment to propose additional support. If additional concerns remain or if services are declined, CYFD shall proceed with an investigation to provide additional support.

 Representatives Gail Armstrong, Rod Montoya, Larry Scott, and Candy Ezzell vocalized their concerns with the original bill, introduced and passed in the 2019 regular legislative session for the lack of clarity on what would trigger reporting for babies born with addiction. “This is why we voted ‘no’ in 2019, because we knew it wasn’t strong enough and needed revisions. Now we can make this better and do what is right for kids across New Mexico”, stated Rep. Rod Montoya.

 “When less than 1 in 7 families on these CARA plans are receiving the services available according to their plans, there is no question that this program as originally written, is not working,” said Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Bernalillo & Torrance).

 “New Mexico has one of the highest rates of newborn babies exposed to drugs in the nation. We must do more to protect these children and support their families in crisis,” said Rep. Andi Reeb (R-Chaves, Curry, & Roosevelt).

 Rep. Harlan Vincent (R-Lincoln & Otero) added, “we all believe in strong and healthy families, and those who fall short have to be addressed, especially in the interest of the child.”