New Mexico Plans Group Home for Foster Children Amid Criticism

The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) plans to establish a new group home for foster children in Las Cruces. This initiative has faced criticism from plaintiffs involved in an ongoing legal case, who highlight concerns stemming from the suicide of a teen boy at an Albuquerque facility earlier this year. CYFD spokesperson Jake Thompson acknowledged the apprehensions regarding congregate care settings, stating the agency is “deeply disturbed by the death of any child in our care.”

The proposed group home aims to provide a short-term solution for children who currently have no alternative placements other than CYFD offices, a situation criticized by child welfare advocates. Although a cost estimate for the new facility has not yet been established, Thompson indicated that the agency is actively recruiting staff with plans to open the home within the next few months.

“We believe a receiving center in a home-like building with designated and trained CYFD behavioral health staff watching over them and keeping them safe 24/7 will be more beneficial than office settings while longer-term family or foster care options are sought,” Thompson stated in an email. The facility will accommodate 10 children aged 12 and older and will be staffed around the clock by CYFD employees.

Controversy Surrounds Group Home Plans

The proposed group home has raised alarms among advocates involved in the Kevin S. lawsuit, a landmark case that resulted in a settlement agreement in 2020. This agreement mandates comprehensive reforms within the child welfare system, including the development of a “trauma-responsive” care network and improved behavioral health services. Plaintiffs argue that the state has consistently failed to implement these reforms effectively.

Tara Ford, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed her concerns during a recent hearing, stating, “The state reportedly is continuing to spend money and time on developing yet another congregate care facility, despite knowledge that these facilities place children at grave risk of harm.” The plaintiffs view this development as a commitment to failure that could adversely affect vulnerable children.

Recent federal policy changes discourage the establishment of congregate care settings, with funding for such facilities being withdrawn. Nevertheless, CYFD has defended its decision, citing the ongoing difficulty in recruiting and retaining foster homes. According to Thompson, without these group homes, more children would have to remain in CYFD offices, which the agency deems even less suitable.

“This is not a placement or a long-term living arrangement; it is a temporary, structured setting designed to ensure safety, stability, and access to needed services while longer-term family or foster care options are sought,” he remarked. Currently, between 12 to 16 children are reported to stay in CYFD offices daily across the state.

Concerns of Systemic Failures in Child Welfare

The recent deaths of two teenagers in state custody have intensified scrutiny of New Mexico’s child welfare system. Reports indicate that both youths experienced inadequate support and supervision, contributing to their tragic outcomes. A 16-year-old boy died in April at an Albuquerque group home, followed by a 17-year-old girl who died in June after a stay in a foster home in Springer.

Ford criticized the state’s reliance on congregate care, suggesting that resources would be better allocated towards proven alternatives, such as expanding New Mexico’s treatment foster care capacity and enhancing the Foster Care+ program, which is tailored for children with specific medical or behavioral health needs.

Rep. Eleanor Chávez, a Democrat from Albuquerque, underscored the detrimental effects of congregate care settings during legislative discussions. She emphasized that a lack of proper staffing and oversight contributed to the tragedies experienced by these youths, pointing out that workers at the nonprofit-run home were reportedly neglectful during the boy’s final moments.

“The workforce issue is critical,” Chávez said. “If we had the right kind of workforce, we could have provided the care these children needed.”

As CYFD moves forward with plans for the new group home, the agency is also prioritizing hiring efforts to ensure adequate staffing and support for the children who will be placed there. Local behavioral health provider Families & Youth Innovations Plus will offer counseling and therapeutic services on-site, aiming to create a more supportive environment for youth awaiting long-term placements.

As the state grapples with these challenges, the ramifications for vulnerable children remain a pressing concern for advocates, lawmakers, and the community at large.