32A-27-3: Office created; duties.

A. The "office of family representation and advocacy" is created as an adjunct agency pursuant to Section 9-1-6 NMSA 1978 and shall be overseen by the commission.

B. The office shall:

(1) work closely with the children, youth and families department to leverage federal funding pursuant to Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act; and

(2) appoint, compensate, evaluate and retain attorneys and other staff to provide legal representation for eligible adults under the Fostering Connections Act [Chapter 32A, Article 26 NMSA 1978] and for children and parents, custodians or guardians whose children are, or are at risk of being placed, in the legal custody of the children, youth and families department.