Governor appoints CYFD official to lead new Office of the Child Advocate

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday selected Dawn Walters as New Mexico's first child advocate, filling a role created by lawmakers last year amid simmering concerns about the state's long-troubled child welfare agency.

The governor announced her selection in a letter sent to Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who supported the push for the creation of the new Office of the Child Advocate.

Walters, who is currently the director of the Children, Youth and Families Department's office of advocacy, was one of three individuals recommended to the governor by a seven-member selection committee. Before moving to New Mexico in 2023, Walters previously worked as a staff attorney in Pennsylvania for a nonprofit group focused on abused and neglected children.

Rep. Michelle Abeyta, D-To'Hajiilee, the committee's chairperson, said Friday the panel was pleased with the outcome.

"We are looking forward to seeing positive results for the children of New Mexico," said Abeyta, who added she would push for more funding for the office during the upcoming 30-day legislative session.

She also said she was not concerned about Walters' employment history with CYFD, saying inside knowledge of the department could be a "strength" in her new position.

While the appointment of Walters is subject to Senate conformation, Abeyta expressed confidence a confirmation vote will take place during this year's session. The session begins Jan. 20.

The bill creating the new Office of the Child Advocate was approved last year by lawmakers amid a fierce debate over the performance of CYFD — and its impact on New Mexico children — between the Governor's Office and the Legislature.

Lujan Grisham initially opposed creating the new outside oversight office, but signed the bill after working with senators to make changes to the legislation.

However, the governor criticized both legislators and Torrez for having a "political vendetta" in advancing the legislation. She also vetoed $1 million in start-up funding for the new oversight office from a state budget bill approved by lawmakers.

The new Office of the Child Advocate was officially created within the state Department of Justice in July 2025. It is tasked with reviewing CYFD’s handling of cases and investigating complaints filed on behalf of children in state custody.

In addition, the Office of the Child Advocate is also required to release an annual report containing data about children involved in New Mexico's child welfare system, including the number of children removed from homes and the number placed in juvenile detention facilities. The first such report will be due by Sept. 1.

While the Governor's Office did not comment Friday on the selection of Walters, a CYFD spokesman suggested she will be a good fit for the new position.

"Dawn Walters has spent her career advocating for vulnerable children — as an attorney in Pittsburgh and within state government," said CYFD spokesman Jake Thompson. "She understands both the system and the families it serves. We wish her well in this new role."

Meanwhile, the selection of the new child advocate comes as lawmakers have continued to express frustration with the Lujan Grisham administration’s handling of child welfare issues, including high rates of staff turnover. The governor has now had four different CYFD secretaries over the last seven-plus years, after appointing Valerie Sandoval to lead the agency in September 2025.

Dan Boyd covers state government and politics for the Journal in Santa Fe. Follow him on X at @DanBoydNM or reach him via email at dboyd@abqjournal.com