ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department is requesting $422.3 million for FY27, which is a nearly 5% increase. CYFD went in front of the Legislative Finance Committee on Tuesday to make its case for the budget.
The Generational Problems Of CYFD
“We acknowledge that CYFD faces a number of challenges, but we also want to make it clear that we are deeply committed to improving the safety of every child, young person, and family we serve,” said Valerie Sandoval, Acting Cabinet Secretary of CYFD.
The department is asking for about $43 million of general fund investments to replace expired federal grant money, add wrap-around services, and bring more alternative services to detention. CYFD is also asking for $61 million in funding for clothes, meals, and hygiene products at youth facilities, and to retain staff with support and pay.
“People are leaving because case loads are too high. It’s not because they don’t like the work,” said Sandoval. “And office stays. They have to work their eight-hour shift, and then they have to come back and stay with children in the office.”…