We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens of Lea County, New Mexico advocating for the fair and just treatment of families involved with the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). We are particularly troubled by several practices that undermine the safety and well-being of children and families, as evidenced by a recent case involving the removal of children from their home. These kids were taken and separated and one was even moved to a different town without a proper investigation.

1.  **Unjust Removal of Children**:    In this case, children were taken from their home without a thorough investigation or substantial evidence of immediate danger. This has caused emotional distress for both the children and their families.
2.  **Lack of Transparency**: Families often report a lack of clear communication regarding the grounds for investigations and decisions made by CYFD, leading to confusion and anxiety. In this particular case the father was unaware of the separation of his children and his daughter being moved not only once but 4 times. One of those times she went missing and finally found 3 days later he was never informed that his daughter was ever missing!
3. **Insufficient Support Services**: Families in crisis frequently do not receive adequate resources or support to address underlying issues, which could prevent the need for intervention. Most families that are involved with cyfd already are struggling with income but now cyfd in Lea County are wanting these families to pay for their visitation with their children. When the family don't make their visitation it goes against them in court trying to get their families back together. While the kids are left wondering why they're family didn't show up for visitation. It's not because they don't want to see them but they can't afford too .... leaving the Children thinking they didn't wondering. "Why didn't they come?"
4.  **Inconsistent Application of Policies**: There appears to be a lack of consistency in how CYFD policies are applied, resulting in arbitrary decisions that affect the stability of families.
5. **Failure to Prioritize Family Reunification**: In cases where children are removed, there is often insufficient focus on reunification efforts, which can lead to prolonged separation and additional trauma for both children and parents. While CYFD is trying to keep the children separated from their families and trying to get them adopted almost right away. In this particular case telling the children that they won't ever see their father again.                                   **Negative Impact on Children**: Research shows that children thrive best in their family environments. Disruption of family bonds can lead to long-term emotional and psychological harm.
6. **Unprofessional Staff Behavior**: Many families have reported experiences with CYFD staff that are dismissive, rude, and unempathetic. This attitude contributes to an environment where parents feel devalued and treated with disrespect, rather than being supported in their efforts to reunify with their children. Giving them a lack of hope.     

**CALL To Action** 

We urge Local Government Officials/Specific Decision-Makers to:

1. **Conduct a Comprehensive Review**: Investigate the circumstances of the specific case and overall practices of CYFD to ensure adherence to established protocols and prioritize family integrity.
2.  **Enhance Transparency**: Implement measures to ensure that families are informed about the processes and criteria used in investigations and decisions.
3. **Increase Support Services**: Expand access to preventive services, including mental health resources and family support programs, to help families address issues before they escalate.
4. **Standardize Practices**: Ensure that CYFD staff receive training to apply policies consistently and fairly across all cases.
5. . **Focus on Reunification**: Develop clear guidelines and support systems that prioritize the reunification of families whenever safely possible.
6. **Improve Staff Training and Conduct**: Provide comprehensive training for CYFD staff on effective communication, empathy, and trauma-informed care to foster a more supportive environment for families.

**Conclusion:**

The well-being of children and families must remain the primary concern of CYFD. We believe that every decision regarding child welfare should be made with due diligence, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to keeping families together. We respectfully request that the department take immediate steps to address these concerns and implement necessary reforms.

When u go to the page to sign....Its going to ask you if you would like to promote this petition..... You don't have to pay to sign this you can by pass just keep clicking next I belive but there is a way to sign without giving money...