IN THE NEWS: NM lawmakers want task force to evaluate Children’s Code

Children advocates say it’s time to reform the Children’s Code. “In conversations in our community, those who are advocates for children- it’s time to look at it, see where we need to make amendments,” said Senator Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque).

“So if I have one request it’s to look at what does confidentiality mean and take that under a microscope and fight it and fight it and fight it because the children’s code should only be protecting children, not the department,” Maralyn Beck, founder of New Mexico Child First Network said. Advocates pointed to the death of James Dunklee-Cruz in 2019.