New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 10 - CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Part 8 - PERMANENCY PLANNING
Section 8.10.8.17 - MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. Within the first 30 days of PSD custody, the child shall have a complete physical examination or, if medicaid eligible, an early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment services (EPSDT). The child shall receive an annual well-child check and dental and eye exam thereafter.
B. In order to support the child through the experience of foster care, in addition to supporting their history of possible trauma, PSD conducts both the crisis assessment tool (CAT) and child and adolescent needs and strengths-trauma (CANS) assessments to better understand the needs of the child and to make appropriate referrals to community providers. Once an abuse and neglect petition has been filed, all children in the case will have a CAT completed by the investigator and filed with the court 24 hours prior to the 10-day hearing. CANS assessments shall be completed by PSD, within 45 days of removal from the home. Children in care shall be reassessed prior to every subsequent court hearing to assess progress in treatment (or within six months, whichever comes first) or to adjust services and supports as results may indicate. CANS shall also be completed whenever any change in behavior is identified, and also after any significant emotional event. CANS shall also be updated upon discharge from CYFD custody.
C. While a child is in the custody of PSD and until parental rights have been terminated, the child's parent, guardian or custodian shall continue to be responsible for the child's medical needs. If support by the parent, guardian or custodian is not available, PSD shall seek to obtain other medical coverage or, if all other possibilities are exhausted, to qualify the child for medicaid through supplemental security income (SSI).
D. If available, PSD shall obtain and keep current the child's immunization records. In any case, where the parent, guardian, or custodian objects to immunizing the child, PSD shall inform the parent, guardian, or legal custodian that they may obtain a waiver from the department of health objecting to the immunizations.
E. PSD shall arrange for behavioral health services for children, parents, guardians or custodians to address identified needs and to move the case planning process along in order for the child to achieve permanency.
F. The use of psychotropic medication is one of several interventions used to address the emotional and behavioral needs of children in PSD custody and is used in concert with other interventions in accordance with the treatment plan. Children are to be free from unnecessary or excessive medication as expressed in the Children's Code 32A-6A-12A (12). PSD shall adhere to internal procedures regarding psychotropic medication (permanency planning procedure 17-mental and behavioral health).