Governor orders changes to 'dysfunctional' state child welfare agency

SANTA FE — Facing pressure from lawmakers and advocates alike to increase oversight amid a string of high-profile abuse cases, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a shakeup of New Mexico’s child welfare agency on Thursday. The Democratic governor issued an executive order creating an office of innovation within the Children, Youth and Families Department and a new advisory council, while also saying her administration would launch a national search to hire several new top agency officials. She also indicated CYFD Secretary Barbara Vigil would remain at the department’s helm amid...