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APD, CYFD Agree to New Approach for Child Neglect and Abuse Calls

The Albuquerque Police Department and Children, Youth & Families Department reporting center, Statewide Central Intake, agreed to a test new procedures which optimize the response to child neglect and abuse calls.

June 25, 2019

The Albuquerque Police Department and Children, Youth & Families Department reporting center, Statewide Central Intake, agreed to a test new procedures which optimize the response to child neglect and abuse calls.

Under the test procedures:

  • Statewide Central Intake (SCI) will immediately contact APD Dispatch to send uniformed officers for Emergency or Priority 1 calls based on CYFD criteria.
  • Statewide Central Intake (SCI) will continue to take primary responsibility for all other reports, and continue to provide child neglect and abuse reports via email to APD’s Crimes Against Children Unit.

“The goal is for police officers to respond to all emergency calls, while CYFD will take responsibility for reports that are more appropriately handled by social workers,” said APD Deputy Chief Art Gonzalez.

The previous procedures resulted in officers making contact with families on calls where counseling or family services were needed. APD and CYFD leaders determined that CYFD investigators or social workers should take on cases that do not require an emergency response.

“This agreement will help to strengthen our working relationship with APD, ensure resources are best allocated, all while keeping the safety of our children first,” CYFD Deputy Secretary Terry Locke said.

The test period for the agreement between APD and CYFD runs through August 2019. Both agencies will evaluate the effectiveness of the new approach at that time.