New Mexico Children’s Law Institute Homepage

Registration for January 2024 CLI Now Open!

What is the New Mexico Children’s Law Institute?

Children’s Law Institute (CLI) is a statewide, multi-disciplinary conference addressing issues of importance in child welfare and juvenile justice. Over almost 30 years, it has grown from a small gathering of lawyers to an event attracting over 1,000 educators, child welfare workers, judges, lawyers, juvenile justice personnel, advocates, resource families, young people, lawmakers, and others. The CLI has a well-earned reputation for providing New Mexico with the most up-to-date information on the law, best practices and changing trends locally and nationally, as well as vital opportunities to network and share information.

The CLI is organized in a multi-agency collaboration led by the Children’s Court Improvement Commission of the New Mexico Supreme Court and is sponsored by the Center of Innovation at New Mexico State University, the NM Children Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Protective Service and Juvenile Justice Divisions, the UNM Corinne Wolfe Center for Child and Family Justice, the Rozier E. Sanchez Judicial Education Center, NM CASA and a number of community organizations.

Our Role with New Mexico Children’s Law Institute

Children’s Law Institute (CLI) is the Center of Innovation’s biggest annual partnership event. With nearly 1,200 participants annually, this multi-agency and organization collaboration opportunity serves to provide a space for critical conversations and connection with colleagues. Together, the CLI community has learned the importance of a trauma-informed approach, acquired skills for enhancing practice, and deepened its service to children and youth by focusing on empathy and compassion.