THE EMBATTLED NEW MEXICO'S CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT IS NOW THE TARGET OF A FEDERAL LAWSUIT ALLEGING CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. IT HAS TO DO WITH A CUSTODY BATTLE WHERE A CHILD WAS REMOVED FROM HER FATHER'S HOME BY A C-Y-F D INVESTIGATOR WITH THE HELP OF BELEN POLICE, AND PLACED WITH HER MOTHER, AGAINST A COURT ORDER.
THE SUIT ALLEGES THAT THE MOTHER WAS UNABLE TO CARE FOR THE GIRL AND LEFT HER WITH STRANGERS, WHICH LED TO EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE FOR THE CHILD. C-Y-F-D OFFICIALS SAY THE CHILD WAS NEVER IN THEIR LEGAL CUSTODY.
