CYFD: We need a critical examination of our child welfare system in New Mexico
Head of CYFD says they are looking outside NM for input after death of infant
Head of CYFD says they are looking outside NM for input after death of infant
Head of CYFD says they are looking outside NM for input after death of infant
Target 7 tried to speak to the deputy secretary of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) while he was at an event Thursday.
"We're just trying to get some answers here," Target 7 said. Terry Locke would not respond.
He darted from cameras, got in his car and took off.
Hours later, his boss, newly appointed CYFD Secretary Barbara Vigil did talk to KOAT.
"It should go without saying how seriously we take this situation and look at this very critically from a systemwide perspective," Vigil said.
Vigil says she cannot talk about the specifics of the case involving the death of a one-month-old infant. His mother has been charged with the death.
Investigators say one week before the baby died, Kiria Milton called 911 saying she was afraid she was going to hurt her children. One week later, she called again. When deputies arrived at the home, the baby was dead.
"This is a tragic event and we will do everything immediately to start looking at our internal processes and procedures like I said retaining a national expert and guide and partner to come in and evaluate what we're doing and how we can improve," Vigil said.
Investigators say the Monday before the infant's death, when Milton made that first 911 call, investigators went to the home. They say they called CYFD. They say CYFD recommended releasing the children to their father while their mother was admitted to the hospital.
At some point, Milton got out of the hospital and returned home to her infant and four-year-old.
"Let me just reiterate that it does not serve the people of New Mexico to point fingers and to blame. What matters and what serves the people when there is an error in judgment or weaknesses and processes, that we are proactive and addressing that and avoiding that So we can minimize this from ever happening again," Vigil said.
Investigators are not releasing the name of the baby. Vigil says she plans on asking lawmakers for more funding to hire additional staff.