SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD) says it’s likely just a week away from a potential solution to the problem of teens sleeping in department offices statewide, but some lawmakers are still considering pushing forward with a plan to investigate the issue.
For some New Mexican kids and teens, sleeping in a government office is their only option while in the care of the state, and it’s a problem some groups want addressed. “Ultimately we know that CYFD is in a state of crisis,” said Brooke Tafoya during Monday’s House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee meeting.
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Last month, News 13 Investigates reported how some CYFD kids have slept in 19 different offices across the state. Lawmakers debated stepping at Monday’s House Government, Elections, and Indian Affairs Committee meeting. “There’s incredible pressure on the state, on the department, on foster families and the more we can increase our system of services the better,” said Rep. Gail Chasey.