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NM Governor Regrets Signing CARA Act, Citing Infant Deaths

Yahoo Finance •
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New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed regret over signing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) in 2019. The bill aimed to support infants exposed to drugs, but she now believes it led to tragic outcomes. The Governor cited the deaths of infants, including four-month-old Constantine Muniz, as a direct consequence of the act's failings.

The CARA Act, intended to provide families with support and treatment, failed to secure adequate funding. The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department allegedly didn't follow through, leaving vulnerable infants at risk. The Governor said that without proper resources and oversight, the program was destined to fail. This has led to a reassessment of child welfare policies.

Following these issues, the Governor issued an order requiring judicial review before infants could be discharged. Of 180 cases, judges ruled against home placement in 178. This change reflects a shift in approach toward protecting at-risk newborns. The situation underscores the challenges in addressing drug addiction and its impact on families.