Following a yearlong investigation, the New Mexico Department of Justice issued a 224-page report documenting the cases of at least 28 children involved with the state Children, Youth and Families Department, such as by being placed in foster homes and facilities or because their families were investigated amid allegations of brutal abuse or neglect.

The scathing report says CYFD has twisted its core function of safeguarding vulnerable children into a habit of allowing them to stay in the homes where they were abused or neglected, sometimes leading to tragic consequences. 

Investigators cited a trend of insufficiently qualified employees serving in leadership and front-line positions, and flawed investigative practices in abuse and neglect cases, and said the agency prioritizes covering up its mistakes, leaving children in danger.