NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) is considering a proposal that could alter its hiring process, and some advocates are sounding the alarm. The department did not outright state whether the proposal will help the department with its staffing problems but rather widen the hiring process to more candidates. […]
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) is considering a proposal that could alter its hiring process, and some advocates are sounding the alarm. The department did not outright state whether the proposal will help the department with its staffing problems but rather widen the hiring process to more candidates.
One key aspect of the proposed rule change would modify the language around background checks and employment history verification for those seeking employment with the department or working with children under CYFD’s care. The change would eliminate a provision that under the current codes as listed under the New Mexico Administrator Codes, automatically disqualifies candidates with misdemeanor convictions related to providing a safe and morally positive environment for children.
The department said the proposed changes would widen the pool of potential candidates, particularly those who may have a minor misdemeanor on their record but come highly recommended.
However, child welfare advocates are concerned that the new rules could put vulnerable children at risk. Maralyn Beck, Executive director of New Mexico Child First Network and an Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellow, expressed her concerns to KRQE News 13, “We have got to do better, and I just would like to understand what we’re thinking about lowering the bar to include any offense.”
CYFD clarified that candidates with felony convictions would still be excluded from consideration. The department emphasized that the rule change is meant to allow for greater flexibility in hiring individuals with minor past infractions while still maintaining a focus on child safety.
Despite this reassurance, some are not convinced. “There’s a lot of reasons we’re in this situation, but lowering the bar to become an employee of this department is unacceptable,” Beck said.
The public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed rule change at a hearing scheduled for October 24. More information, including how to participate and the full draft proposal, can be found here. The current rules can be read here.