N.M. Sup. Ct. Order No. 21-8500-027

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO 1

November 18, 2021 2

NO. 21-8500-027 3

IN THE MATTER OF THE 4

ESTABLISHMENT OF 5

THE CHILDREN’S COURT 6

JUDGES ASSOCIATION 7

ORDER 10

WHEREAS, in each judicial district, one or more judges sits as judge of the 11

Children’s Court under NMSA 1978, § 32A-1-5(A) (1993); and 12

WHEREAS, a Children’s Court Judges Association, comprised of judges who 13

preside over Children’s C ourt cases in each of the judicial districts, will facilitate 14

communication and collaboration among Children’s Court judges; and 15

WHEREAS, the Court having considered the foregoing and being sufficiently 16

advised, Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil, Justice C. Shannon Bacon, Justice David K. 17

Thomson, Justice Julie J. Vargas, and Justice Briana H. Zamora, concurring; 18

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the Children’s Court Judges 19

Association is hereby established; and 20

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Children’s Court Judges Association 21

shall select one of its members to serve as Chair of the Association for a two (2)-22

year term, with eligibility for reappointment for one (1) subsequent two (2)- year 23

term; and 24

1 IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Children’s Court Judges Association

2 shall engage in focused discussions, arrange trainings, and work as a body to propose

3 changes or provide recommendations and input regarding the Children’s Court to

4 this Court, district courts, and Supreme Court Committees or Commissions.

5 IT IS SO ORDERED.

WITNESS, the Honorable Michael E. Vigil, Chief

Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New

Mexico, and the seal of said Court this 18th day of

November, 2021.