2013 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 32A - Children's Code
Article 3A - Families Services
Section 32A-3A-7 - Voluntary placement; time limitation. (2005)

A.   No child shall remain in voluntary placement for longer than one hundred eighty consecutive days or for more than one hundred eighty days in any calendar year; provided that a child may remain in voluntary placement up to an additional one hundred eighty consecutive days upon order of the court after the filing of a petition by the department for extension of voluntary placement, a hearing and a finding that additional voluntary placement is in the best interests of the child.

B.   In no event shall a child remain in voluntary placement for a period in excess of three hundred sixty-five days in any two-year period.

C.   Any placement described in this section shall not be considered abandonment by a parent, guardian or custodian or other family member.