Rebecca Dow, House Representative of New Mexico, has called for urgent reforms to the state's child welfare agency, the Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD), following the deaths of two infants known as "CARA babies." The statement was made on X.
"CYFD is a total disaster," said Rebecca L. Dow, New Mexico State Representative for 38th District (R). "2 CARA babies die in one day. Reforms at this agency IS an emergency. Until there transparency, accountability, and sustainability, children will continue to die."
Investigations in New Mexico have revealed that more than two dozen CARA babies—infants born drug-exposed and sent home under safety plans—later died. This has prompted criticism of CYFD. In response, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham directed CYFD to begin filing court petitions for custody of such infants. Attorney General Raúl Torrez launched a probe, and the agency adopted a new 72-hour hold policy, according to KOAT Target 7.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported that child fatality reviews examined 84 injury-related deaths in 2022. Multidisciplinary panels analyzed cases from 2018–2022 to guide prevention efforts. Legislative hearings have highlighted cases of children dying after CYFD involvement, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in safety planning. These findings underscore persistent risks in the state’s child welfare system.
Nationally, child welfare reform has shifted under the federal Family First Prevention Services Act. This legislation allows states to use Title IV-E funds for mental health care, substance-use treatment, and in-home parenting support. The Annie E. Casey Foundation notes that many states have reduced reliance on group care and expanded family-based services with the goal of preventing removals and supporting faster reunification. These practices are being considered as models for New Mexico’s system.
Dow, a Republican representing New Mexico’s House District 38, served from 2016 to 2022 and returned in 2025. With a background as CEO of a nonprofit child development center, she has focused on child welfare and education reform and ran for governor in 2022. Ballotpedia notes her legislative priorities have included strengthening protections for vulnerable children and expanding family services.
The Children, Youth & Families Department of New Mexico was established in 1992 and oversees Protective Services, Juvenile Justice, Behavioral Health, and Early Childhood programs. Led by a cabinet-level secretary, its mission is to ensure children live free from abuse and neglect while strengthening families. CYFD operates under multi-year Child and Family Services Plans that outline reforms in safety, permanency, and well-being.
