A New Mexico mother, Kim Cordova, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) and Serenity Mesa Recovery Center, alleging negligence after her teenage daughter, Payton, was reportedly sexually assaulted twice while in their care.
Background
Cordova described Payton as ‘feisty’ and ‘an amazing daughter,’ but said their household in Los Lunas faced difficulties, including challenges stemming from her relationship with Payton’s father. Payton struggled with trauma from their family’s challenges and began acting out.
CYFD questioned Cordova’s disciplinary methods, leading to Payton’s removal from the home and placement in the agency’s custody. Cordova claims CYFD lost track of Payton at one point. After learning of the sexual trauma Payton endured, CYFD sent her to Serenity Mesa Recovery Center for therapy. However, Cordova alleges Payton was assaulted again at the facility.
Lawsuit and Response
The lawsuit, initially filed in Santa Fe District Court, has now moved to federal court. Cordova’s attorney, Jason Bowles, said CYFD failed to provide adequate protection for Payton, given her history of trauma. CYFD responded, saying they ‘cannot comment on any issues concerning this case because it involves pending litigation’ and will address the lawsuit in court.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
