CYFD INDEPENDENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AUDIT

SB 361 requires New Mexico's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to hire an independent auditor through a competitive process to assess the department’s program effectiveness, mission alignment, and operational practices. The audit must evaluate program efficiency, policy relevance, staff adherence to procedures, data management, and human resources, with results delivered via three annual audits and six-month reviews of identified issues. CYFD must submit annual reports to the governor and relevant legislative committees, excluding confidential client information. This bill directly affects CYFD’s internal operations and accountability, mandating a structured, independent review of its service delivery.