New Mexico Begins Accepting Abuse-Neglect Reports By Text –
Associated Press
New Mexico is launching a round-the-clock program to let youths reach state officials by text message to report abuse or neglect, find references or ask questions.
Reach NM uses the text number 505-591-9444 to let Children, Youth & Families Department intake workers offer answers and connect texters with appropriate community resources.
Department Secretary Brian Blalock says the program offers a “one-on-one” connection "to offer support and resources in a way that is natural to our kids.”
The department points to Arizona State University research finding the average child has a cell phone by age 11, and that texting is the most comfortable form of communication for youths. A statement calls New Mexico the first state with a completely text-based system.