HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 102

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Richard D. Vigil

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT GIVE GRANDPARENTS FIRST PRIORITY IN DETERMINING WHO SHOULD HAVE CUSTODY OF CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS HAVE PUT THEM UP FOR ADOPTION.

     WHEREAS, many children are put up for adoption in New Mexico by their parents because of financial difficulties, abusive living situations and other extenuating circumstances; and

     WHEREAS, these children deserve no less loving and caring homes than other children in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, capable grandparents would be the logical choice to take custody of these children when their parents are unable to adequately provide for them financially and emotionally; and

     WHEREAS, many grandparents would be in a position to provide the loving and caring homes that these children deserve; and

     WHEREAS, many grandparents would be eager to take custody of their own grandchildren if they were given priority in the custody process by the children, youth and families department;      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department be requested to give grandparents first priority when determining who should have custody of children whose parents have put them up for adoption; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families.

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