9-2A-2: Purpose.

The purpose of the Children, Youth and Families Department Act is to establish a department of state government that shall:

A. administer all laws and exercise all functions formerly administered and exercised by the youth authority, as well as administering certain functions related to children, youth and families that were formerly administered by other departments or agencies of the state;

B. assist in the development of state policies and plans for services to children, youth and families, including policies and plans that endeavor to strengthen client self-sufficiency and that emphasize prevention without jeopardizing the necessary provision of essential treatment and early intervention services;

C. advocate for services for children, youth and families as an enduring priority in New Mexico; and

D. provide leadership to other agencies that serve children, youth and families to ensure a coordinated and integrated system of care and services for children, youth and families.