A. The state child advocate shall ensure that office staff are trained in:
- (1) federal, state, local and tribal laws, regulations and policies with respect to child protection and juvenile justice services in the state;
- (2) investigative techniques, including trauma-informed care and questioning;
- (3) the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, the Indian Family Protection Act [32A-28-1 to 32A-28-42 NMSA 1978], tribal culture, tribal relations and sovereign nation status;
- (4) department policies and procedures, including policies and procedures related to abuse and neglect, out-of-home placement and safety and risk assessments; and
- (5) such other matters as the office deems appropriate.
- B. The state child advocate shall develop procedures for the training and certification of appropriate staff.
- C. An officer, employee or other representative of the office shall not investigate any complaint filed with the office unless that person is certified by the office.
History: Laws 2025, ch. 13, § 8.
ANNOTATIONS
Effective dates. — Laws 2025, ch. 13, § 19 made Laws 2025, ch. 13, § 8 effective July 1, 2025.
Cross references. — For the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, see 25 U.S.C. § 1901, et seq.