A state child welfare agency that has been hamstrung by staffing shortages, overwhelming caseloads and a string of high-profile abuse cases in recent years is asking New Mexico lawmakers for millions of dollars more to continue with reform efforts next year.
Officials with the Children, Youth and Families Department made their case Wednesday before the Legislative Finance Committee.
Their request includes more than $10 million to expand reforms started earlier this year in response to the death of Omaree Varela, a 9-year-old Albuquerque boy who police say was repeated kicked by his mother.
The money would pay for 93 new full-time positions in the protective services division to help with the growing caseload.
It would also go toward establishing several child advocacy centers and family support sites around the state.
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