New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 10 - CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Part 8 - PERMANENCY PLANNING
Section 8.10.8.31 - DOCUMENTATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY

(1) Abuse and neglect records: Abuse and neglect records are confidential pursuant to the New Mexico Children's Code Subsection A of Section 32A-4-33 NMSA 1978. The name and information regarding the reporting party shall not be disclosed absent the consent of the reporting party or a court order.

(2) Foster care and adoption records: Under CYFD's general rulemaking authority Section 9-2A-7 NMSA 1978, the confidentiality provisions of the Children's Code, Sections 32A-3B-22 and 32A-4-33 NMSA 1978, the specific authority related to certification of foster homes, Subsection (D) of Section 40-7-4 and the Adoption Act, Sections 32A-5-6 and 32A-5-8 NMSA 1978, all client case records and client identifying information including resource and adoptive families, and applicant files are confidential and may not be publicly disclosed. PSD may release such files only upon a valid court order provided that confidential criminal and abuse and neglect information may not be released, unless a court order specifically orders such a release.

(3) Records related to an adoption proceeding: Records related to an adoption proceeding are confidential pursuant to the Children's Code, Section 32A-5-8 NMSA 1978. Post decree adoption records: Guidance on obtaining access of post decree adoption records by an adult adoptee, biological parent of an adult adoptee, sibling of an adoptee, or adoptive parent of a minor adoptee is outlined in the Adoption Act Regulations, Subsection C of 8.26.3.41 NMAC.

(4) Social security administration electronic records: Any information obtained through the social security administration (SSA) data system, ISD2, either directly or from another individual with access to the ISD2, is confidential. Improper access, use or disclosure of ISD information is a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974 ( 5 U.S.C. Section 552a, Public Law No 93-579), and could result in civil and criminal sanctions pursuant to applicable federal statutes. When a PSD becomes aware of a loss or suspected loss of any file containing ISD information (whether a hard copy file, or on a laptop, removable drive, etc.), PSD shall notify CYFD office of the general counsel (OGC) within one hour of the discovery of the loss.