SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The state agency charged with investigating child abuse allegations is top-heaving, and caseworkers are carrying "dangerously high" caseloads.
That's the conclusion of an audit presented to lawmakers on Wednesday.
The audit from the State Legislative Finance Committee recommends that the Protective Services Division of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department shift some supervisors into front-line caseworker positions. Caseworkers are the first people to contact a child and a family when abuse is alleged.
According to the report, the division has one supervisor for every 3.65 caseworkers. The Child Welfare League of America recommends a 1-5 ratio.
The report also says New Mexico's caseworkers carry an average 18 cases, above the limit of 15 recommended by the league.
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