New Mexico pledges support for tribal adoptions in state law

By CEDAR ATTANASIO
Associated Press / Report for America

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s child protection department is pledging to restore the agency’s credibility. Secretary Barbara J. Vigil says she will repair the agency’s reputation after a series of scandals. Most recently, the state Legislature learned it was given misleading child maltreatment data by her predecessor. Vigil says the Children, Youth and Families Department will be more transparent and accountable. Speaking at the Indian Child Welfare Act summit Tuesday, Vigil pledged to defend the federal law after which the summit was named. It prioritizes tribal members in adoptions of Native American children. Supporters fear the U.S. Supreme Court could invalidate the law soon.