State Auditor Alleges Misalignment of CYFD Funding in New Mexico

State Auditor Reports Misalignment with Legislative Intent in CYFD Funding

SANTA FE, N.M. — In a recent report released in mid-October, New Mexico State Auditor Joseph Maestas scrutinized the allocation of a million fund intended for enhancing services within the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD). Commissioned by state lawmakers, the report revealed significant discrepancies between how the funds were utilized and the legislative intentions underpinning their appropriation.

The report highlights that the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) transferred over million to CYFD in the previous fiscal year. However, Auditor Maestas disclosed that approximately million of this amount “did not align” with the objectives outlined by lawmakers. The audit suggested that the allocated funds primarily supported services related to shelter operations, family resource centers, and behavioral health initiatives, while there was no indication that the funds were used to facilitate Medicaid billing as intended.

One of the major limitations identified in the audit process was the lack of cooperation from both the CYFD and HCA, who reportedly did not furnish the auditor’s office with certain requested documentation. This absence of necessary data restrained the comprehensiveness of the audit’s findings, leaving open questions about how taxpayer dollars are being managed within these critical departments focused on children’s welfare.

In response to the release of the report, CYFD Communications Director Jake Thompson issued a statement asserting that the department fully collaborated with the auditor’s office during the review. He contended that all pertinent documentation had been provided to substantiate the use of the million appropriation for children’s behavioral health services. Thompson further emphasized the necessity of investing in these areas, expressing confidence that such investments would bolster the department’s services for vulnerable populations.

To further clarify and scrutinize the use of these funds, the Jaramillo Accounting Group has been enlisted to conduct a separate audit of the CYFD’s behavioral health services appropriation. This forthcoming audit is set to commence in the coming weeks and will be publicly disclosed upon its completion.

As the state continues to grapple with the multifaceted challenges facing its children and families, the results of these investigations will be crucial in shaping future fiscal policies and ensuring that funding aligns more closely with legislative goals. Stakeholders from various sectors are watching closely to see how the findings may influence potential reforms in the state’s approach to child welfare and associated services.