Agenda
Present: Anna Nelson, Alvin Sallee, Jamii Corley, Estilla Lightfoot, Louise Ortega-Senter, Ellen Costilla, Kristin Oreskovich, Kim Knox, Amy Russell, Yo9landa Cordova, Jerry Harrison, Jen Panhorst, Reba Serafin, Monica Montoya, Mary Nienow, Eleanor Chavez, Tasia Martinez, Carolyn Tollett, Karen Canaday, Stacia Ortiz
Call to Order – 9:06 am
Approval of Agenda and Minutes
- Motion – Anna Nelson
- 2nd: Kim Knox
Passed
Legislative Updates pertaining to the Social Work profession
Rep Chavez – number of bills filed related to CYFD. HJR5 (constitutional resolution) sat on the house floor- -there wasn’t support to move it further. CYFD and co-neutrals sent letters discouraging support, implying financial chaos that would result (Title IVE). Co-neutrals have made over $8mil in the relationship with CYFD and Kevin S. Instate co-neutrals were not happy out of state co-neutrals sent the letter out. HB5, Office of the Child Advocate has been signed. There is some tension between the AG and Gov. HB203 passed – use of state devices for CYFD work and information stored for a specific number of years. Sen Padilla’s bill combined existing efforts, such as putting CARA into the Health Authority – this bill is sitting on the Gov desk. This requires a pilot for multilevel response system for abuse/neglect cases, codified Families First Act efforts and something on the substitute care advisory board to move over to the Office of the Courts. This started as HB 205 and has been changed. Rep. Chavez will research and send this out to the Consortium. FP tax credit for the next 5 years for $250/mo. The Office of Early Childhood will also be moved and will be providing home visiting services as well. HM61 a memorial to study autobiographical treatment – SLPs used to provide services for children in foster care. Unaware Linda will continue with the taskforce. A lot of monies toward behavioral health and building up behavioral health systems. The profession of social work has been decimated in NM – NASW’s voice and advocacy was missed in session; an organized effort. Telehealth bill sponsored by Sen Figeroa – this bill identifies who can provide telehealth and outlines the requirement for supervision.
Anna – the Center had a challenge during this session generating the briefs to inform legislative efforts without an allocated researcher to assist. They are working to address this. There was a misperception the Center receives funding from CYFD, which is unfortunate.
Alvin – I was never so proud to be a social worker as sitting next to Rep. Chavez working so hard for these programs. It was great advocacy to witness. The social work compact effort was amended in these efforts. NASW-NM director (out of CA) would not accept the compact with the amendments suggested. HJR5 fought constant misinformation in this process through testimonies provided by secretaries and co-neutrals. Behavioral Health bill – pushed responsibility from the state to the county level.
Karen – we needed professional representation on these legislative efforts. Rep. Chavez was one of the few asking the hard questions. These bills are better as a result of these efforts. The SW Compact, the tripping point was qualifying immunity we did away with this and cannot have carve outs for XYZ. Sen Trujillo committed to fighting for it at national.
Jen – wanted to highlight there was money for paid practicums and internships included in the budget bill. $10mil to HED for all behavioral health professions, not just social work (like last time). There is concern around transparency from HED on requirements and access.
Melissa, Mary and Anna – SB492 is housed in HB2. At last report NMSU Global may receive funds to be disbursed to universities to be used for Online Enrollment Management at the discretion of each university president (community colleges are not included at this time). NMHU and NMSU executive support for this effort. NMSU update, driven by Sen Munoz as a response to several schools already using OPM services out of ASU (out of state monies), his concern that we should keep these monies in state. Jen thinks this may have died in committee.
The next session is a money session – we should be thinking about our “asks” or hopes.
Committees
- Capacity building – no update at this time. Meeting in April, 2nd Tuesday.
- Social Isolation and Advocacy – met last week and had a lively discussion with new members. There has been a struggle with attendance of only 3 working to carry this effort. Professional isolation efforts would benefit from a space where social workers can connect. The website would really help with this and once this is up the committee’s work will get greater. SB3 will require stakeholder engagement. There will be a group of people coming together to determine what local bx health collaboratives looks like. This will also address credentialing. The committee would like to organize advocacy around SB3 – we need involvement from the consortium for creative thinking! The next meeting is TBD but they are typically meeting the Tuesday prior to the Consortium. Email Carolyn.tollett@enmu.edu for a schedule and potential joining.
- Licensing – similar concerns to the prior report out. We are looking for member engagement to bolster efforts. The last effort drafted a letter to HED secretary to correct misinformation. Typically meet the week prior to Consortium. To join, please email mnienow@nmsu.edu to join. A schedule will be shared.
Schools (alphabetically)
- ENMU – in Candidacy!!! Pending HRSA grant application – no further updates.
- NMHU – Interim Dean until June 30. The major update is the summit tomorrow! Super grateful for those that are able to attend. Endowment monies have been correctly allocated and utilized – things are moving along well!
- NMSU – getting ready to send out paid practicum stipends (31) and scholarship monies disbursed. Admissions process has been completed as well. HRSA grant submitted for BWET – 4yr/$1.4mil. The goal is to build peer support workers. Hired one additional faculty through the endowment. Global will hire 3 additional faculty. The hope is to grow enrollment.
- UNM – candidacy eligibility application accepted by CSWE. Cleared to submit BI documents for a Fall 2026 cohort start.
- WNMU – HRSA grant submitted. Hiring 2 new faculty in BSW and staff members. MSW reaffirmed and BSW is in process. BSW program is growing, MSW is shrinking in terms of enrollment – working on strengthening the pipeline. Offering monthly safe spaces for social work practice in the current climate.
Practice Community Items
- Yolanda – save the dates around alternative pathway development efforts. This will be coming up at the end of April. Question around SB3 – the state committee and expert select – how are they compiling this committee and can we advocate for representation? Karen is unsure how we get access to this, but she will look into this as the committee will be formed. Alvin’s understanding is that this will fall until the Administrative Office of the Courts – who has the expertise? The state group will be reviewing the regional plans – who is on this state-level group, how can we advocate for Consortium voice on this committee? Rep. Chavez suggests we put together a committee to dissect this bill and make recommendations/suggestions for who is interested in sitting on this committee. Who would be willing to serve on an adhoc committee to assist?
- Ellen Costilla, Stacie Ortiz, Yolanda Cordova (lead), Tasia Martinez, Karen Canaday, Eleanor Chavez
Other Items
- HED/NHSC application for loan repayment windows have opened up and will close May 1
Adjourn – 10:16
- Motion 0 Karen
- 2nd – Carolyn
Dr. Melissa Moyer, LCSW
MSW Program Director/Associate Professor
College of Business Room 183