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New Head Of New Mexico Child Welfare Agency Lists Priorities

Monique Jacobson

New Mexico lawmakers want the new head of the state's child welfare agency to ensure federal dollars for services are used by the state rather than be returned. 

Members of a Senate panel challenged Monique Jacobson, the incoming secretary of the Children, Youth and Families Department, during a meeting Tuesday.

Jacobson outlined her top priorities for the agency, including tightening internal financial controls, improving communication with law enforcement and expanding services aimed at preventing abuse and neglect.

Jacobson says she's excited to tackle the challenges ahead and promised to account for every dollar. Lawmakers expressed support and asked her to act with urgency.

The agency has been hampered in recent years by staffing shortages, an overwhelming caseload and a series of high-profile abuse cases that have drawn criticism.

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