Substitute Care Advisory Council (Council)
The purpose of the Council is to provide a permanent system for independent and objective monitoring of children placed in the custody of the NM Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) by examining the policies, procedures and practices of CYFD, and where appropriate, specific cases to evaluate the extent to which CYFD is effectively discharging its child protection responsibilities. Council Responsibilities, Meetings, Annual Reports, Advisory Committee & Council StaffSFY 25 NMSCAC Interim Report June 2025
What is Substitute Care?
The legal definition of substitute care ‘refers to any kind of custodial or residential care for a child that is ordered or otherwise sanctioned by the court, and in which a child does not continue to live with either of the birth parents’.
Featured Forums
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Research shows a strong correlation between childhood experiences and adult health and well-being.
New Mexico By the Numbers
New Mexico ranks 50th in the nation for overall child well-being.
Legal
A child in substitute care is a civil matter.
Child Trauma
Trauma has both immediate and long-term effects on children.
Prevention of Child Maltreatment
Child maltreatment is preventable.
WHAT’S UP?
The Council’s SFY 25 Interim Report is available at the link at the top of the page.
The Council will hold its regular meeting on Friday 18 July 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
For more information contact Shelly Bucher at shelly.bucher@rld.nm.gov or 505.469.4781.
