Repeat cases of child maltreatment dropped in 14 New Mexico counties over the past year, but rose in hot spots such as Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Lea counties, according to data released Tuesday from the state Children, Youth and Families Department.

The overall repeat maltreatment rate of just under 15 percent statewide was a slight improvement over the prior year, said CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados at a legislative budget hearing in Santa Fe on Tuesday. Yet, the national rate is still about 9 percent.

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Colleen Heild is an investigative reporter. She also writes about CYFD and Federal courts. You can reach her at cheild@abqjournal.com.