A disturbing case involving a 15-year-old boy from New Mexico has sparked a call to action from State Rep. Doreen Gallegos. The boy, who had been placed in temporary foster care, was taken to the Paso del Norte border crossing and left there to reunite with his mother in Mexico, despite having no meaningful relationship with her for nine years.

A Rush to Close the Case

Rep. Gallegos, who has worked in the child protective system for thirty years, claims that the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) rushed to close the case without properly ensuring the boy’s safety. The agency conducted two virtual “home visits” before deciding that the mother’s home was safe, despite having no authority to conduct in-person visits in Mexico.

Gallegos argues that this approach is “lazy social work” and that the agency should have collaborated with Mexico’s DIF to conduct a thorough investigation. Instead, the CYFD chose the path of least resistance, leaving the boy to fend for himself.

A Call for Reform

Rep. Gallegos is now preparing legislation to give the Office of the Child Advocate real teeth. She believes that the office should have the authority to investigate cases like this one, compel cooperation, and force the system to change. Gallegos suggests that the office should be able to request the Attorney General’s office to intervene in such cases.

The goal is to prevent similar cases from happening in the future and to ensure that the most vulnerable children in New Mexico receive the protection and care they deserve. By strengthening the Office of the Child Advocate, Gallegos hopes to bring about structural change and provide a safer, more supportive environment for children in need.

Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.