HOUSE MEMORIAL 107

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Linda M. Trujillo and Christine Trujillo

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE TO CREATE A TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE CREATION OF AN INTERAGENCY SAFETY NET FOR MALTREATED CHILDREN.

     WHEREAS, the physical and emotional well-being and safety of children in New Mexico are of utmost importance; and

     WHEREAS, tragic events in recent years have shed light on how the maltreatment of children can escalate quickly without the knowledge of concerned individuals, agency staff and school staff; and

     WHEREAS, children who have been maltreated and who stop attending school, whether a public, private or home school, are particularly vulnerable to falling through the cracks; and

     WHEREAS, the state is dedicated to mobilizing all agencies and community organizations that are tasked with protecting the safety and security of children to help prevent such tragedies; and

     WHEREAS, communication and collaboration among all appropriate agencies and community organizations are essential to protecting New Mexico's children;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative education study committee be requested to create a task force to study the measures necessary to create an interagency safety net for maltreated children who are vulnerable to falling through the cracks and to seek participation on the task force from at least one representative from each of the following entities:

          A. the public education department;

          B. the human services department;

          C. the protective services division of the children, youth and families department;

          D. the New Mexico school boards association;

          E. the New Mexico superintendents' association;

          F. the New Mexico association of elementary school principals;

          G. the New Mexico association of secondary school principals;

          H. the New Mexico coalition for charter schools;

          I. Pegasus legal services for children;

          J. New Mexico voices for children;

          K. New Mexico CASA network; and

          L. any other entities or individuals deemed appropriate by the public education department; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force publish its findings and recommendations in a report, provide two copies of the report to the legislative council service library and publish the report on the legislative education study committee website; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the legislative education study committee; the secretary of public education; the secretary of human services; the secretary of children, youth and families; the public education department for distribution to all department offices and organizations mentioned in this memorial; and others the public education department believes would be interested in the task force and its charge.

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