The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is asking for a budget increase of $41 million, 19% over its current funding amount, KRQE reported.
The extra funds would be used to hire behavioral health staff such as a trauma response team of therapists and doctors, the station said.
It would also pay for a new building in Santa Fe that would house a training program for emergency medical technicians.
“It’s one of the most moving programs that I’ve observed managed by CYFD and enables these young adults, many of them are Native Americans that come in, and teach them medical technician work and then (they) go back to their community,” CYFD Cabinet Secretary Barbara Vigil said.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, however, is recommending an increase of only $29 million, according to the station.
A group of 13 foster children sued CYFD in 2018, claiming the state failed “to provide the stability and support” to children in state custody, the station reported. The department settled the case and needs to add 90 caseworkers, supervisors, and children’s court attorneys to comply with the settlement terms.