Rebecca Dow, House Representative of New Mexico, said that a recent decision by the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) will save lives and encourage community members to become foster parents. The statement was made on X.
"CYFD update- idk how this was decided," said Rebecca L. Dow, New Mexico State Representative for 38th District (R). "I'm just glad it was. THANK YOU. This will save lives. Now, if you'd like to be a resource family (foster parent) the state is going to need you!"
Recent policy changes at the New Mexico CYFD have focused on enhancing foster care oversight and caseworker training, following critical state audits and lawsuits over child safety, as reported by the Albuquerque Journal. In 2024 and 2025, the department adopted new digital tracking systems for case management and improved foster parent training standards. These measures aim to reduce placement disruptions and address persistent shortages in foster homes. These reforms are part of an ongoing response to public and legislative demands for systemic improvements.
According to the New Mexico CYFD, there are about 2,050 children in foster care statewide as of July 2025, with 430 new entries this year and roughly 37% of children placed with relatives. The state reports 1,420 licensed foster homes but still faces a critical need for more, especially for teenagers and children with special needs. These figures reflect ongoing recruitment efforts and community outreach to support vulnerable children.
A 2025 Annie E. Casey Foundation report notes that New Mexico’s foster care placement rate is 7.9 per 1,000 children, higher than the national average of 5.5 per 1,000. Placement stability in the state is at 82%, compared to 86% nationally. The data shows New Mexico also reports higher rates of reunification and guardianship but faces unique challenges in recruiting long-term foster families.
Dow is a New Mexico lawmaker who has championed child welfare and foster care reform, serving as vice chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee and sponsoring bills to strengthen oversight of the state’s child welfare system. Her advocacy includes expanding kinship care, improving trauma-informed services, and increasing support for foster families through targeted funding and oversight measures.
