BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FOR ABUSED CHILDREN

SB 489 allows New Mexico's children's courts to require abused or neglected children aged 14 and older to participate in court-ordered behavioral health services or treatment, after a hearing where the court determines it is necessary for the child's health, safety, or welfare. The bill amends existing law to clarify that such children have the right to consent to treatment (including therapy and counseling) without parental permission, though psychotropic medications still require parental consent with child notification. It specifically applies to youth under the court's jurisdiction due to abuse or neglect, not to all minors or general mental health cases. The law does not change consent rules for special education services or override a child's right to control disclosure of their mental health records.