CYFD SUBSTITUTE CARE REVIEW

HB 500 establishes a formal system for citizens to file and review grievances about substitute care (foster care) placements under New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). It creates a Substitute Care Advisory Council to handle complaints regarding actions affecting a child's health, safety, or rights, or CYFD's compliance with laws. The bill updates confidentiality rules to clarify who may access sensitive child welfare records (e.g., foster parents, social workers, court personnel) while protecting privacy. It also defines key terms like "grievance" and "identified child" to standardize the review process. The bill directly affects CYFD, foster care providers, and children in substitute care placements.