A. The children's cabinet shall study and make recommendations for the design of a coordinated system to maximize outcomes among children and youth under age twenty-one, particularly those in disadvantaged situations, in the following areas:

(1) physical and mental health fitness;

(2) family and community safety and support;

(3) preparedness for and success in school;

(4) successful transition to meaningful and purposeful adulthood and employment; and

(5) valued contributions to and active participation in communities.

B. Departments participating in the children's cabinet may enter into joint powers agreements pursuant to the Children's Cabinet Act.

C. At least twice each year, the children's cabinet shall meet with parents, children, youth, educators, public officials and representatives of faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, philanthropic organizations, public schools and public school districts, colleges and universities, health care providers, nonprofit organizations, youth service providers, political subdivisions, the interim legislative health and human services committee and the legislative education study committee. The children's cabinet may coordinate with these persons as needed to design or implement the coordinated system.

D. By September 1 of each year, the children's cabinet shall report and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature, including:

(1) a child and youth report card that identifies the status and well-being of children and youth, including special target populations of children and youth that are disproportionately at risk, based on the outcomes in Subsection A of this section; and

(2) a child and youth policy and inventory budget identifying state programs and initiatives that affect the well-being of children and youth, including proposed budget allocations toward the outcome areas in Subsection A of this section based on age, ethnicity and special target populations as determined by the children's cabinet.

History: Laws 2005, ch. 64, § 3.

Effective dates. — Laws 2005, ch. 64 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 17, 2005, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.