Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico
My granddaughter lives with me. Can CYFD Protective Services take her for something her mother is accused of doing?
1 Answer from Attorneys
CYFD is a mixed bag and it's hard to predict what they might do in particular circumstances. Generally they get involved when there is a report to them or police of child abuse or neglect.
They investigate the child's living circumstances and if they find the child is in an unsafe environment they or the police snatch the kid.
However they prefer to place the child with a relative, which would likely be you or somebody like you. In the event of a report that mother is abusing or neglecting child, if they believe the child is safe with you now they may just leave it alone, or they could move to make the arrangement permanent.
If this is a permanent arrangement and you want to keep it that way, I would suggest you get a kinship guardianship. With the Guardianship you will have all the legal authority you need to make decisions for the child such as medical and schools. Pegasus Legal Services for Children in Albuquerque can help you with that.
Pegasus Legal Services for Children
3201 Fourth Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-244-1101
505-244-0060-Fax